Tourism should represent 12.2% of GDP in Spain in 2023, almost as much as before the Covid pandemic. However, the sector remains “cautiously optimistic” as rising energy prices have dented earnings.
From our correspondent in Madrid,
In the Plaza de España, despite the icy wind, groups of tourists parade to take their picture in front of the bronze statue representing Don Quixote on horseback, accompanied by Sancho Panza on his donkey. On this same square, three luxury hotels are almost full while a group of Asians rushes into the lobby. ” We are from Hong Kong, it’s a bit cold, but that’s ok. We stay two days here and tomorrow we leave for Barcelona “.
A little further on, two families with children are talking. One comes from Moravia, the other from Holland. ” This is the second time we have come to Madrid for a few days. We love this city. The weather is perfect. Unfortunately, we have to go back to Holland today. But we’ll be back, that’s for sure “.
The year has only just begun, but already tourist numbers are experiencing a dazzling rebound in Madrid and the rest of the country. Last year had already been marked by the resumption of activity despite the war in Ukraine and the rise in energy prices, as recalled by the deputy director José Luis Zoreda, of the employers’ organization Exeltur: ” As important data, it should be noted that 61% of the total of the Spanish economy in 2022 is due to the resumption of tourist activity. »
Andalusia popular with tourists
If the interior regions, such as Castile and La Mancha or Extremadura, have experienced an unprecedented increase in attendance, Andalusia remains the favorite region of tourists. It is also the main driver of the tourism sector in Spain, as confirmed by Alberto Ortiz, in charge of Andalusian tourism, who calls for optimistic caution: “ 2022 was the year of recovery and 2023, if there is nothing unforeseen, will be a record year for the number of visitors. We aim to recover the foreign tourist, who has not yet fully returned. We are working on it “.
The employers’ organization of tourism warns however against the impact of a possible “overcrowding”. This surge in demand could result in saturation that risks harming the sector, while Spain seeks to promote quality tourism.