Spain is preparing for a record-breaking summer tourism season, with predictions of 41 million visitors between June and September, a 13% increase compared to 2023.
This exciting forecast was announced by Jordi Hereu, Minister of Industry and Tourism, during a media briefing at the headquarters of the State Society for the Management of Innovation and Tourist Technologies (Segittur).
In addition to the surge in visitor numbers, international tourist spending is expected to rise by 22% over the same period, reaching an impressive 59 billion euros.
Minister Hereu attributes this success to Spain’s social and environmental quality, collective effort, and the dedication of the country’s tourism sector.
“This is the expression of the success of tourism in Spain. A success based on the quality social and environmental of our country, a collective success and of the tourism business sector,” said Hereu.
The significant increase in tourism has also brought the issue of short-term rental properties into the spotlight. Various regions and municipalities have implemented measures to manage the proliferation of tourist apartments.
To address this, Hereu announced the creation of a national platform to monitor and understand the reality of tourist accommodations and temporary rentals. This initiative, originally proposed by Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez, aims to combat fraud and ensure transparency.
During his address, Hereu emphasized the government’s role in supporting local authorities responsible for regulating the tourism supply. He noted that every rental property would have a unique code for identification, similar to other regulated activities. “Each apartment must have a unique code that allows it to be identified like any other activity,” stated the minister.
Cities like Madrid, Seville, and Cádiz have already taken steps to halt new licenses and increase penalties for illegal rentals. Hereu criticized some municipalities for their inaction, which has led to an oversupply and illegal operations.
“What has sometimes happened is that there are cities that have never decided, so now there is an excess of supply and there is illegal supply,” he lamented.
The national monitoring platform is expected to be operational by March or April 2025, ahead of the European regulation deadline. Hereu expressed confidence that the platform would enhance transparency and support local governance in the tourism sector.
Despite recent protests against “mass tourism” in cities like Barcelona and Málaga, Hereu remains optimistic. He dismissed concerns about growing hostility towards tourists, emphasizing Spain’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination. “Spain is a safe model,” he affirmed, noting that the country’s hospitable culture remains intact. He believes that with proper management, increased salaries, and quality control, Spain can continue to benefit from the positive impacts of tourism.
As Spain gears up for a summer of record-breaking tourism, the country remains committed to balancing growth with quality and sustainability, ensuring a memorable experience for all visitors.
