Spain Draws Record 9.1 Million April Visitors as Middle East Conflict Redirects Holiday Demand
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 7
Spain Draws Record 9.1 Million April Visitors as Middle East Conflict Redirects Holiday Demand
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 7
Summary
Spain logged a record 9.1 million international visitors in April, up 5.2% from a year earlier and 450,000 more arrivals than in April 2025.
The surge reflects travelers shifting away from the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean after the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, reinforcing Spain's image as a safer alternative.
Tourism leaders now see 2026 beating earlier modest-growth forecasts after Spain reached 97 million foreign visitors in 2025, with some in the sector talking about 100 million this year.
The boom matters because tourism contributes 13% of Spain's GDP, though rising fuel costs could still curb European travel demand.
Record arrivals are also intensifying domestic backlash over overtourism and housing, with Barcelona planning to revoke 10,000 short-term rental licenses by 2028 and the government already fining Airbnb €65 million.