The period from 2013 to 2023 showed significant fluctuations in foreign tourist arrivals in Spain. Between 2013 and 2019, there was a steady increase in the number of arrivals, peaking in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a dramatic drop in 2020, with numbers plummeting by over 80% compared to the previous year. The subsequent years saw strong recovery, especially in 2021 and 2022, but arrivals in 2023 fell by approximately 12% compared to the previous year, standing at 55.271 million. The 5-year Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the period ending in 2023 was -3.42% due to the pandemic's impact.
The forecast from 2024 to 2028 suggests a gradual recovery with modest year-on-year increases, averaging a CAGR of 1.42%. By 2028, the number of arrivals is projected to reach 60.439 million, reflecting a 7.3% increase over the five-year period.
Future trends to watch for include the potential impact of global economic conditions, changes in travel restrictions, and advancements in tourism infrastructure within Spain. Additionally, the effects of increasing focus on sustainable tourism could play a crucial role in shaping visitor numbers.
