Spain is well on track for another record tourism year after welcoming 36.3 million tourists in the first half of 2017, a 11.6% increase from a year earlier, according to the Tourist Movement on Borders (Frontur) survey, released by the National Statistics Institute.
The figures are in line with the “Trips and Tourism Competitiveness Index 2017” from the World Economic Forum. According to this index, Spain leads the pack in world tourism in terms of its competitiveness for the second year running. The report, which is published every two years, highlights the country’s combined offer of cultural and natural resources, as well as its solid tourism services infrastructure. There are 136 countries included in the report.
Despite the uncertainty generated by Brexit, the UK was still Spain’s leading source of tourists, registering a 9.1% year-on-year rise with over 8.6 million visitors. Germany came in second place, sending 5.5 million international tourists, up 9.6% from a year ago, while France posted a 4.9% increase with 4.7 million.
ACF analysts said the first half figures are positive, reflecting the strength of Spain’s tourism sector compared with other European markets.
It looks as if 2017 will be another record year for foreign visitors to Spain. As to the impact for the listed Spanish hotel companies, we believe Melia will benefit the most. It has a more exposure to the hotel holiday segment than peer NH Hoteles.
