Spain and its regions are experiencing a remarkable surge in tourism, setting record numbers in visitor arrivals and economic contributions in 2023 and the early part of 2024. This growth is particularly evident in Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon, which has positioned itself as a significant player in the Spanish tourism landscape.
In the first nine months of 2024, Spain welcomed over 73.9 million international tourists, marking a 10.9% increase from the same period in 2023. This influx has translated into a considerable economic boost, with international tourists reported to have spent over €99 billion, reflecting a 16.9% rise compared to last year. By July 2024, Spain had already recorded 53.4 million visitors, particularly benefiting from a record revenue increase of 18%, totaling €71.1 billion.
Zaragoza has also contributed significantly to Spain’s tourism success. In 2023, the city attracted approximately 1.1 million tourists, a 13% increase from the previous year, primarily drawn by the city’s rich cultural heritage and monuments, alongside its vibrant gastronomic scene. Notably, the number of foreign tourists—a majority hailing from France and Italy—spiked by 21%, outpacing the 10% growth in domestic visitors.
The economic impact of tourism in Zaragoza was substantial, generating a total impact of €632 million in 2023, with €347 million being direct contributions to the local economy. This surge in economic activity resulted in the creation of 5,296 jobs, playing a key role in reducing unemployment and revitalizing the local labor market. At the national level, the tourism industry has seen employment grow, with nearly 100,000 new Social Security affiliates registered by October 2024, bringing total employment in the sector to around 2.75 million people—13.8% of the total workforce in Spain.
Tourist spending behaviors have also shifted, with visitors to Spain in July 2024 averaging €1,432 per person, and daily expenditures reaching €195. This trend suggests a growing preference for quality tourism experiences. In Zaragoza, spending on accommodation varied between €31 and €60 per person daily, with couples being the largest spenders, averaging more than €45 each per day.
The ongoing growth of the tourism industry in Spain and Zaragoza underscores the sector’s critical role in driving economic recovery, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and significantly contributing to both local and national economies. The surge in tourist numbers and spending reflects the continued appeal of Spain as a premier international travel destination.
Source
Aragón rompe récord turístico: 3,1 millones de visitantes en la temporada de verano
