Spain has witnessed a remarkable surge in Mexican tourism, with visitor numbers surpassing one million in 2024 and total spending nearing €3 billion.
According to a report by the Tourism Office of Turespaña, Mexican travelers contributed €2.94 billion to Spain’s economy last year, marking a 44% increase from 2023.
The growth in visitor numbers has been equally striking. A total of 1,080,318 Mexican tourists visited Spain in 2024—an increase of 9.7% compared to 2023, when 984,259 travelers arrived. This achievement places Mexico among the select group of non-European countries that send over a million tourists to Spain each year. Before the pandemic in 2019, only 597,000 Mexican visitors traveled to Spain, making 2024’s figures a historic milestone.
A Post-Pandemic Boom
The data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE) shows that Mexican tourism to Spain has enjoyed three consecutive years of double-digit growth. This rapid expansion now positions Mexico as Spain’s most important source of international tourists from Latin America, second only to the United States among non-European countries.
Several factors have contributed to this boom, including enhanced flight connectivity, strong cultural and historical ties between the two nations, and growing interest among Mexican travelers in Spain’s diverse destinations, from Madrid and Barcelona to Andalusia and the Basque Country.
Recognition for Spain’s Tourism Efforts
Spain’s tourism sector has also received international recognition for its efforts in attracting Mexican visitors. The Tourism Office of Turespaña in Mexico has been named the Best International Tourism Office in Mexico for the second consecutive year by Pasillo Turístico, a prestigious Mexican travel industry magazine.
The award is based on votes from Mexican travel agents, with Turespaña securing 22% of the votes, surpassing other international competitors such as France, which received 12%. This accolade highlights Spain’s successful promotional strategies and its ongoing efforts to strengthen tourism ties with Mexico.
A Strong Outlook for the Future
The continued growth in Mexican tourism to Spain suggests a promising future. With increasing air connectivity and a strong demand for cultural, gastronomic, and historical experiences, Spain is likely to remain a top destination for Mexican travelers in the years to come.
As Spain enjoys record-breaking numbers in both visitor arrivals and spending, the country’s tourism industry is set to benefit from this strengthening relationship with the Mexican travel market.
