Spain’s Tourism Breaks Records in 2025, But Overtourism Sparks Protests and Measures to Tackle Growing Visitor Numbers

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Spain’s tourism industry has reached new heights in 2025, attracting 11.3 million international visitors in August, as reported by the National Statistics Institute (INE). This marks a 2.9% increase compared to August 2024 and follows a record-breaking July, which saw 11 million visitors. Over the course of these two months, Spain welcomed 22.3 million tourists, surpassing last year’s figure of 21.8 million for the same period.

Despite the success, Spain continues to face challenges related to overtourism, with local protests calling for greater regulation of the tourism sector. The surge in visitors reflects Spain’s ongoing status as a major global travel destination, driven by British, French, and German tourists. This growth comes amidst efforts to address some of the negative impacts of tourism in the country, including overcrowding in popular destinations and increasing pressure on local resources.

Surging Visitor Numbers and Changing Trends

The rising number of international arrivals is further bolstered by changing travel habits. More tourists are opting for travel during Spain’s shoulder seasons rather than the peak summer months. This shift in preference is evident in the growing popularity of the autumn months, as many travellers opt to extend their holidays beyond August. In fact, only 40% of Spaniards typically go on holiday in August, with many choosing to vacation later in the year, according to Spain’s National Observatory of Outbound Tourism (ObservaTUR).

Hotel prices in the Canary Islands, a key indicator of Spain’s tourism economy, have risen by 5.3% from September 2023 to 2024. Prices in the region are now around 25% higher than they were in 2019, signaling a growing demand for accommodations across the country. This price increase has been reflected in many other tourist hotspots, as demand for both luxury and budget options continues to surge.

Authorities Respond to Overtourism: Measures and Protests

Spain’s government has introduced several measures to address the pressures caused by its booming tourism industry. The housing ministry has removed 53,000 tourist flats from the Single Register of Tourist and Seasonal Rentals, converting these units into permanent housing for locals. The aim is to alleviate the housing crisis in tourist-heavy regions and provide more affordable accommodation options for Spanish residents, particularly for young people and families.

In addition to this, cities like Barcelona have announced plans to phase out short-term tourist apartments by 2028. This initiative is intended to reduce the overwhelming demand for tourist accommodation and free up housing for residents in the city. Barcelona has also reduced the number of daily cruise ship arrivals at its port, cutting the number from 10 to 7 to help mitigate overcrowding.

Málaga, a popular tourist destination on Spain’s southern coast, has launched a campaign aimed at improving visitor behaviour. The initiative includes rules encouraging tourists to avoid excessive noise, especially at night, and to dispose of waste responsibly. Meanwhile, the Balearic Islands have introduced stricter regulations on alcohol consumption and party boats to curb disruptive behaviour, aiming to create a more pleasant environment for both locals and tourists.

Local Campaigns Call for Action Against Overcrowding

While the Spanish government has taken steps to address overtourism, local residents in some regions feel that the measures do not go far enough. The Canary Islands, for example, have seen an increase in tourist arrivals, with more than 1.55 million visitors in March 2025, a 0.9% increase from the previous year. The rise in tourism has placed a strain on local resources, with residents complaining about rising housing costs and the increasing number of tourists monopolising space and services.

In response, local campaign groups are calling for a moratorium on new hotel projects and tourist developments in the islands, urging the government to halt the construction of large-scale projects such as a proposed motor circuit on Tenerife. These groups argue that the rapid expansion of the tourism sector is eroding the quality of life for local communities and threatening the sustainability of the region’s resources.

Balancing Growth with Sustainability

Spain’s tourism industry continues to thrive, setting new records for visitor numbers even as it grapples with the effects of overtourism. While the government’s initiatives to curb the negative impacts of mass tourism are a step in the right direction, locals remain vocal about the need for stricter measures to protect their communities. As the autumn months approach, it remains to be seen whether Spain can successfully balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of its cultural and environmental heritage.