SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 3 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Canary Islands have achieved a milestone of 6,493,340 visitors until May, marking a significant increase of 10.68% compared to the previous year. The total expenditure in the archipelago has reached 9,639 million Euros, as revealed by data published on Wednesday by the National Institute of Statistics (INE).
Breaking down the monthly figures, in May, the Canary Islands hosted 1,037,701 tourists, an increase of 7.06% compared to the previous month. Tourist expenditure clocked in at 1,456 million Euros, showing a substantial growth of 14.7% from April.
On average, each tourist spent 1,403 Euros during their visit to the Canary Islands in May, marking a 7.1% increase. Daily expenditure per tourist amounted to 189 Euros, demonstrating a 12.4% rise. The average length of stay was 7.4 days, around a 5-point decrease compared to the previous period.
Nationally, Spain is on track for a record-breaking tourist season, exceeding 33 million international visitors until May, a 13.6% increase from the same period in 2023. The estimated total spending by these tourists in the country surpassed 43.2 billion Euros, up by 21.8% from the first five months of 2023.
The United Kingdom retains its position as the primary source market, with over 6.3 million tourists from January to May, showcasing a growth of 10.6%. Following closely are France, with 4.42 million visitors (a 13.2% increase), and Germany, with 4.41 million tourists (a 14.7% rise). Particularly remarkable is the surge in visitors from Belgium by 20.3% and Ireland by nearly 19%.
In May alone, Spain welcomed 9.3 million international tourists, an 11.5% increase from May 2023, with a total expenditure of 11,687 million Euros, which signifies a 19.7% growth from the same month last year.
The average spending per visitor in May reached 1,263 Euros, a 7.3% increase from the previous year. Daily expenditure per tourist was 204 Euros, up by 8.6% annually, with an average stay of 6 days.
“Spain continues to attract international tourists, as seen in the arrival figures for May. Notably, there has been a rise in the average spending per visitor, surpassing inflation rates, which contributes to the advancement, sustainability, and enhancement of employment quality in the sector,” commented Jordi Hereu, the Minister of Industry and Tourism.
Hereu highlighted that the increase in visits to inland autonomous communities in May has outpaced those in Mediterranean and island regions. “The government will persist in efforts towards sustainability, decentralisation, and deseasonalisation to maintain Spain’s position as one of the top choices for international tourists,” stated Hereu.