Spain is seeing a tourism boom despite tension from residents.

Spain recorded a record 97 million foreign visitors in 2025 and expects further growth in 2026, while popular destinations report resident tensions over housing, congestion and resource strain.

Spain reported a record 97 million foreign visitors in 2025 and expects further growth in 2026. Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu described the sector as a major engine for the national economy. Spain is the world's second most visited country after France. Industry estimates indicate tourism made up a significant share of GDP in 2025. Key facts: - Spain welcomed 97 million foreign tourists in 2025, a reported 3.5% increase on 2024. - Tourism revenues rose 6.8% to about 135 billion euros in 2025, according to official figures cited by the minister. - The tourism lobby Exceltur estimated the sector accounted for around 13% of Spain's GDP in 2025. - Authorities forecast the first four months of the year would see about 26 million foreign visitors, a 3.7% rise, with spending of roughly 35 billion euros (up 2.5%). - Data show spending increased outside the peak season compared with 2019, and some destinations have taken measures such as cracking down on short-term rentals in places like Ibiza amid resident concerns. - Two-thirds of tourists in 2025 reportedly intend to return, and officials said there was no sign of global geopolitical issues affecting flight availability or bookings. Summary: The tourism sector has been a strong contributor to Spain's recent economic performance and is projected to expand further in 2026 based on government forecasts. At the same time, visitor growth has coincided with local tensions over housing, congestion and pressure on natural resources, and some destinations have introduced regulatory measures in response.