It’s confirmed: Spain more popular than ever as 2016 smashes tourism records

Spain’s numerous attractions turned the heads of 75 million people last year.

Spain’s amazingly consistent appeal to holidaymakers from the world over cranked into overdrive in 2016, with the country welcoming 75 million tourists last year…

This record figure is a 10% increase on 2015, when Spain was the world’s third-most visited country, according to new data from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

Official global tourism figures will be released by the UN body on January 17^th, so we don’t yet know whether Spain has become the most popular destination in the world; the country traditionally dukes it out with France and the USA for that particular accolade.

Nevertheless, 2016’s surge was most welcome, boosting the country’s economy and international standing at a time when many other nations – particularly Mediterranean destinations – struggled through low growth and the ever-looming threat of terrorism.

Spain welcomed a record 68 million tourists in 2015, and last year’s increase has been regularly put down to the country’s safe haven status. However, Taleb Rifai from the Madrid-based UN body rejects the notion that the country’s increase in tourism is solely down to terror threats elsewhere.

“Spain did well because Spain is doing the right thing in terms of how it promotes itself as a destination,” said Rifai.

The excellent climate, cuisine and culture also helps, and as word-of-mouth grows, Spain has also begun to attract a broader type of holidaymaker – ranging from those simply seeking a cheap and cheerful package holiday to those looking to explore the history and hinterlands of the country’s lesser-known delights.