Spain could surpass 100 million tourists this year, boosted by Middle East conflict alternatives

Spain is poised to break tourism records this year, with projections indicating it could welcome over 100 million foreign visitors, according to an analysis by Oxford Economics. This surge is attributed to a confluence of factors, including heightened demand from travelers seeking safer destinations away from the conflict zones in the Middle East and a general European preference for domestic or nearby travel during the summer season.

Oxford Economics forecasts that Spain could see an additional 12 million tourists this year, more than doubling the 3.2% growth recorded in 2025, potentially reaching a total of 109 million visitors. Early indicators, such as an "unexpected" rise in visitors in April, suggest that Spain's tourism sector is already benefiting from the geopolitical uncertainty.

The report highlights Spain's appeal, citing its "excellent value for money, expanded luxury offerings, and well-developed tourist infrastructure." These attributes make it an attractive destination for a wide range of travelers, from budget-conscious individuals to those seeking high-end experiences. The country's tourism sector has shown resilience, with overnight stays in tourist accommodations returning to pre-pandemic levels in 2023 and projected to grow by 10.1% this year.

Data from travel platform Sojern indicates Spain's strong performance, with flight bookings up 32% compared to the previous year for the summer season. Hotel searches have also increased by 28%. In the Latin American market, Spain, particularly Madrid, remains a dominant gateway to Europe, capturing 29.1% of market share. The United States continues to be Spain's primary long-haul market, accounting for 19.4% of hotel searches and 13% of flight bookings. Spain's growth rate in tourism also outpaces neighboring countries like France and Portugal.