Spain is set to overtake France as the world's most visited country by 2040 with 110 million annual visitors compared to France's 105 million, according to a report by Deloitte and Google. While France currently retains its top spot,, having welcomed 102 million tourists in 2025, Spain is seeing rapid growth, recording 94 million tourists in 2024.
Studies predict Spain will welcome 110 million visitors by 2040, exceeding France's projected 105 million. In 2025, Spain welcomed 97 million international tourists, setting record-breaking income for the sector, according to Travel and Tour World.
Spain’s surge is driven by its popularity with tourists from the UK, Germany, and France, boasting 300+ days of sunshine, high-quality infrastructure, and diverse, affordable options
Unlike France, which often serves as a shorter-stay transit destination, Spain attracts longer stays, leading to higher spending.
The explosive growth has triggered a "massive tourism" debate in Spain regarding the sustainability of high visitor numbers.