German Tourists Seek New Horizons, Impacting Spanish and Domestic Tourism

German tourists are shifting their holiday preferences, moving away from popular destinations in Spain. Reports indicate a decline in German visitors to the Balearic Islands, including Majorca, Menorca, and Ibiza, for the second consecutive year. Data from Turespaña reveals that while Germany accounted for a significant portion of air passengers to Spain in July, there was a slight decrease compared to the previous year.

The Balearic Islands remained the primary destination for German travelers, but experienced a decrease in arrivals. Catalonia, home to Barcelona, also saw a decline in German visitors. Conversely, the Canary Islands witnessed a notable increase in German arrivals during the same period. The shift away from the Balearic Islands may be attributed to factors such as anti-tourism protests and rising property prices.

The United Kingdom continues to be the largest source market for the Spanish tourism industry. British travelers accounted for a substantial share of international passengers to Spain, with the Balearic and Canary Islands being the most popular destinations. Galicia and Andalusia experienced the most significant growth in British visitors.

Beyond Spain, Germany also has a strong connection with Turkey, a country with a large German expat population. In Germany itself, incoming tourism has decreased, partially due to the impact of the UEFA European Football Championship held the previous year. Recent figures show a decline in international overnight stays compared to the previous year.