The Minister of Industry and Tourism, Jordi Hereu, has said that there are currently ‘no indicators’ showing that geopolitical problems are affecting Spanish tourism. He made this statement at a press conference to give an overview of 2025 and forecast data for 2026, in which he pointed out that, nevertheless, for tourism and other purposes, the ministerial department is closely monitoring the global situation.
‘Today we have no reason to change our outlook or see any downward trends in this regard,’ he stated in his speech. After a new record for tourists and spending in 2025, Hereu has announced that, based on current data, Spain will receive a total of 26 million tourists in the first four months of the year, 3.7% more than in the same period last year, with spending of €35 billion in the first four months, an increase of 2.6%.
In his opinion, this growth forecast is ‘the best news’ for destinations, citizens and the Spanish economy. Exceltur this week estimated at a press conference a scenario of normalisation in Spain, subject to growing global uncertainty and under the assumption that there will be no restrictions on tourist mobility between countries.
Therefore, the lobby’s analysis expects the sector to reach almost €230 billion in tourism GDP, up 2.4% in real terms, above the +2.2% forecast for the Spanish economy. The Tourism Board recently forecast that 2026 will be a smooth year for the sector, with the first half of the year returning to normal and some months even experiencing increases above those of 2025.
‘We are approaching 2026 with optimism and a moderate but sustained growth outlook, backed by favourable forecasts. These are based on the increase in air slot reservations for the season and the number of conferences and major events confirmed for MICE tourism throughout the year,’ explained its president, Juan Molas.