International travellers visiting Spain this summer are expected to spend more than €2,500 per person, according to the 'Travel Trends 2026' study by Visa. The study highlights a shift in spending patterns, with more than half of the planned budgets devoted to leisure, cultural activities and dining out. Additionally, nearly 90% of tourists arrange their trips up to six months in advance, and half book experiences before arrival.
The analysis identifies Chinese tourists as the highest spenders, averaging €3,183 per stay, followed by visitors from the USA with €2,830, and Mexico at €2,573. Eduardo Prieto, Visa’s general manager in Spain, commented, "We're witnessing a transformation in travel habits, with consumers prioritising more meaningful and customised experiences." He added, "This shift boosts tourism's value and accelerates the sector's digitalisation, where payment systems play a crucial role throughout the journey. Spain’s established position and adaptability give it a distinct edge in capitalising on this trend," as reported by Servimedia.
Domestic travel trends also reflect changing attitudes amid economic pressures. Despite inflation, Spaniards continue to value travel, allocating around 10% of their income to it, with 84% ranking it among their top spending priorities. Nevertheless, rising living costs are influencing choices: 40% cite affordability as a main factor, prompting 24% to select more budget-friendly destinations and 19% to save in advance for their trips. These shifts are even more marked among younger travellers; 71% of those under 34 plan to travel solely within Spain this summer, up from 55% last year, indicating a strengthening domestic tourism market.
Spaniards travelling abroad spend an average of €1,482 per trip and generally plan their journeys with a minimum of two months' notice. The typical length of stay is around nine days. European destinations remain led by Italy and France, while outside Europe, North America tops the list followed by Asia.