Spain, a global tourism powerhouse… and the challenge ahead Spain has just consolidated its position as the 2nd most visited country in the world, with 83.7 million visitors in 2024, only behind France and ahead of giants such as the U.S. and China. This is a huge achievement and great news for our economy, as tourism accounts for between 12% and 13% of the national GDP. But, as with every major success, it also comes with a challenge. When such a significant part of the economy relies on a single sector, we run the risk of it becoming our Achilles’ heel. The key is to transform this tourism leadership into a real improvement in wages, which have been stagnant for years and place us at the bottom of the EU. This is where, in my view, robotics and artificial intelligence can be our greatest allies: - Enhancing productivity and service quality in tourism. - Creating a new tech industry where Spain is not yet a relevant player. - Raising wages and diversifying the economy. If we can combine our tourism leadership with innovation and technology, we won’t just maintain this position, we’ll turn it into a springboard for Spain’s economic future. #TurismoEspaña #InnovaciónTurística #EconomíaSostenible #IAyRobótica #FuturoEconómico
Start up ecosystem can bring another 10-20%. But there is lack of vision, lack of qualified tech people. Also bad numbers on tax income .. Tourists coming has nothing to do with current "decisions" but history brings a little help into today ecosystem
Although France receives the highest number of visitors overall, it is not the number one destination relative to size or population. That distinction goes to the small country of Portugal, which receives approximately 2.5 visitors per resident. Congrats but control not to kill the destination and mainly the former quiet charm of Lisbon.
For this year (2025), the above list will look so different. Especially, with the geopolitical environment that we're in now. I'm a huge fan of the tourism industry in Spain. However, the pushback against tourists in Barcelona and Madrid by the locals with "Tourists Go Home" on posters, and the shooting of water guns at them, can have a devastating effect without local government action.
🌍 The Four Fundamental Needs of Our World Today: Global peace and security Eradicating poverty and hunger Combating climate change Preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage In response to these global priorities, i proudly introduce: The Quad – Garden of Culture is a transformative €2.5B initiative designed for the beating heart of Mediterranean Europe Spain, Italy, and Turkey—nations with strong global presence in cultural tourism. The largest cultural tourism project in Europe A bold, visionary initiative at the intersection of civilizations — a dynamic hub for international culture, arts, and tourism, centered around intangible cultural heritage. A 2.5 billion euro investment will bring to life a 300,000 square meter cultural and tourism complex, attracting over 30 million visitors annually and generating 7.5 billion euros in turnover each year. This project will create 5,000 jobs . 7 cultural pillars: Music, Dance, Food, Clothing, Crafts, Architecture, and Art Our vision: To make Europe the world’s cultural capital once again. 🤝 We're open to conversations, partnerships, and shared visions. Tourism shapes economies, influences politics, moves people, and creates jobs.
And these numbers come from... my pocket? It is mandatory to reference the source, otherwise your statement is void. Russia 24M of tourists? 🤐
It is a remarkable achievement that so many millions from across the world are drawn to Spain each year. Few countries are so fortunate to inspire such desire to visit, and therein lies not only economic opportunity but also a form of soft power that extends far beyond tourism. The challenge, as you note, is to ensure this admiration is converted into lasting prosperity for Spain’s citizens. Leveraging our global appeal while investing in innovation, technology and higher wages would allow tourism to remain a source of pride, rather than an overdependence. Spain’s beauty and culture have already won the world’s attention: the next step is to channel that soft power into broader economic strength and resilience for her people!
It’s important to see the numbers in a per capita perspective still congratulations
Spain has many privileges among European countries, given its weather, location (being so close to Africa) and the culture. However, overtourism has been a huge issue which led to many protests that had scared away many tourists. With this bit unsolved and the balance left sorted out, it is very difficult for it to sustain its position on the chart...
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2moOra bem... olhando para os números logicamente pela dimensão territorial, quem está melhor é PORTUGAL, Hong Komg e Países Baixos... Agora Territorial vs GOP vs PerCapita é Portugal... Nada se faz ao acaso .. Mas a realidade não é a que se vende nos media, é a que se sente in loco !!