Spain, only surpassed by France in attracting global visitors, is riding a wave of tourism unlike any seen before, with predictions pointing to a staggering 100 million international tourists by 2025. Though this tourism boom brings significant economic benefits, contributing over 13% to the national GDP, it presents considerable hurdles for local communities, particularly those residing along the popular Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. The combination of escalating hotel and rental costs, worsened by a shortage of housing linked to mass tourism, is increasingly barring the Spanish from enjoying their beloved beach getaways.
Coastal Congestion and Soaring Prices
Internal data from inAtlas suggests that Spain’s top 25 coastal spots experienced a dip of 800,000 domestic tourists last year, even as foreign visitor numbers jumped by 1.94 million. This data highlights a growing imbalance: foreign tourists, who spend, on average, eight nights on Spanish beaches, stay significantly longer and spend more than locals, who can often only manage half that time and a quarter of the budget. Major cities show a similar trend; approximately 400,000 fewer trips were taken by Spanish visitors in 2024, compared to an increase of almost 3 million foreign visits.
The financial pressure of the tourism boom is further demonstrated by soaring prices. Figures from Mabrian show that hotel rates have climbed 23% in the last three years, hitting an average of €136 ($159) per night. Beachfront rentals have also increased sharply, with Tecnitasa reporting a 20.3% increase since mid-2023, and many properties booked for the entire summer by the first quarter of the year. According to José MarÃa Basáñez, the president of Tecnitasa, it is increasingly difficult for Spanish residents to afford tourist accommodation by the sea. Consequently, resort hotels are cautiously adjusting their summer sales estimates despite the continuous influx of foreign arrivals, anticipating slower sales from domestic visitors.
Growing Discontent Among Domestic Travelers
Spain, a country of 48 million—about half the number of annual foreign visitors—clearly depends heavily on the tourism sector. However, a lack of available housing, exacerbated by a proliferation of short-term tourist rentals, is creating discontent. Many Spanish travelers feel slighted, even excluded, from their favorite coastal destinations. They feel unable to compete with the spending power of wealthier foreign tourists, especially those from the UK and Germany. Adding to this is the cultural significance of summer family vacations in Spain, a tradition that is sadly becoming less accessible for many.
A Shift Toward Inland Tourism
To ease coastal congestion and broaden the country’s tourism offerings, the Spanish government is promoting inland tourism. Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu, during a campaign launch in June, emphasized the need to “decentralize our destinations” to ensure Spain maintains its leading role in global tourism. The initiative seeks to draw international visitors to explore lesser-known regions, showcasing Spain’s rich inland attractions.
This approach reflects a shift already underway among Spanish tourists. Data from inAtlas shows 1.7 million more Spanish holidaymakers vacationed inland last year, preferring regions like Andalusia and Castilla y León, where costs are lower and mass tourism less pervasive. Take, for example, the mountain town of El Bosque, roughly 100 km from Cadiz’s beaches, which saw a 22% rise in Spanish tourists. Increasingly, locals are seeking Airbnb rentals over traditional hotels, seeking more budget-friendly options away from popular coastal destinations such as Catalonia or the Balearic Islands.
A Balancing Act for Spain’s Tourism Future
A professor at Esade business school in Madrid, Juan Pedro Aznar, has suggested this shift results from a “displacement effect” resulting from the lower spending power of Spanish travelers compared to their European counterparts. The tourism boom boosts the nation’s economy, but there is a risk of alienating its residents, who may feel they are priced out of their country’s famous locations. The government’s efforts to promote internal tourism might help to address some of these issues. Spain’s ongoing challenge is skillfully maneuvering this intricate situation. The aim is to maintain its prominent role in global tourism, all while simultaneously guaranteeing that its residents continue to have access to the beaches and cultural landmarks that define their nation’s identity. In other words, the key lies in implementing strategies that alleviate these conflicting pressures, thus fostering a more viable framework that achieves equilibrium between economic gains and social justice.