Spending by tourists from abroad in Catalonia goes over 21,000 million euros for the first time

Spending by tourists visiting Catalonia has, for the first time, surpassed €21,000M, 4.3% more than 2018. Additionally, average daily spending per person has increased 5.3% over 2018, rising to 195 euros, with the increase being 20% over the last three years.

The influx of tourists from abroad has broken a new yearly record in 2019 with 19.3 million tourists, some 150,000 more than 2018, confirming once again that Catalonia is a major tourist destination and a point of reference in the tourist sector.

Countries of origin

As regards countries of origin, an increase in spending by US tourists is noteworthy; making them for the first time the highest spending group in Catalonia, with a total of €2,500M (8% more than 2018).

The four main emitting markets for Catalonia (France, United Kingdom, USA and Germany) have all shown increases in spending; although the most important growth has been in countries from elsewhere in Europe, with an increase over €350M (26% more than 2018).

As regards the principal source countries for tourists, the increase in tourists from Switzerland (25.4%), Ireland (18.9%), Russia (10.1%) and the US (10%) is significant. In terms of more distant countries, the Latin American market is also showing favourable results.

Promoting Catalonia in the world

Throughout 2020, the Catalan Tourist Agency will be present at all major international tourist events such as ITB in Berlin, MITT in Moscow and WTM in London. In total, the agency will participate in 42 trade fairs.

Furthermore, in order to promote Catalonia and Barcelona in more distant markets, a number of roadshows will be organized together with tourist companies, specifically 3 trade missions to Asia, North America and Arab Emirates, the goal being to reinforce the positioning of Catalonia and its capital, Barcelona.