Spain's Economy
Tourism and Its Backlash
How Spain hosts over 90 million international tourists a year, the jobs and income tourism brings, and protests over housing and overcrowding in Barcelona and elsewhere.
Spain is one of the world’s most visited countries.
Scale
Spain received over 90 million international tourists in 2024, a record.
Economic role
Tourism makes up a large share of GDP and jobs.
Backlash
- In 2024, residents in Barcelona, the Canary Islands and Málaga protested overtourism.
- Short-term rentals pushed up rents.
Responses
- Barcelona plans to phase out tourist apartment licences by 2028.
- Higher tourist taxes.
Economics
Tourism brings income but also crowding costs for locals.
The water pistols
In 2024, some Barcelona protesters sprayed tourists with water pistols to highlight overtourism.
Thinking tourism benefits everyone equally
Locals face higher rents.
Key takeaways
- Spain received over 90 million tourists in 2024.
- Tourism is a large share of GDP.
- Residents protested overtourism.
- Barcelona plans to phase out tourist flats.
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