Sun, tapas and heritage... The Holy Trinity of tourism still attracts so much in Spain, to the point that 2024 will see visitors spilling onto the streets.
Or at least, in hotels.
In any case, this is what the National Association of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT), a Spanish organization which represents professionals in the sector, predicts.
Hispanic hotels expect a significant increase in demand for the spring.
According to figures from consultancy PwC Spain, there is expected to be 14% growth in the sector year-on-year, and 25% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
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The main reason for this good health: the increase in the number of international visitors (there were 85.1 million in 2023, or 18.7% more than the previous year).
“France and Italy stand out for their intention to visit Spain and there is a good recovery in air connectivity with England and Germany, which is already above pre-pandemic levels”
, notes José Manuel Fernández, a representative of PwC Spain.
Still, inflation, which is already weighing on the tourism sector, could slow down some travelers.
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Catalonia in state of drought emergency
There is also the question of climate.
Catalonia, the most visited region in Spain in 2023, declared a state of drought emergency in 202 municipalities, mainly in the greater Barcelona area.
The Spanish province has therefore planned a plan, which provides, among other things, forbidding the filling, even partially, of swimming pools.
With a few exceptions, such as those intended for sports use, or those running on sea water. We are still waiting to know the fate reserved for those in hotels.
You should also expect to see yellowed grass and the impossibility of showering on the beaches.
So many necessary measures which could curb certain Spanish enthusiasm.