Balears expects a 4.5% growth in tourism sales during the spring of 2025, thus consolidating its position as one of the most attractive holiday destinations for both national and European demand. However, the Alliance for Tourism Excellence, Exceltur, warns of the risks posed by the new surcharges proposed in Balears, describing them as hasty and unfair, and recommends replacing them with active management tools to avoid negatively impacting the region’s tourism competitiveness. For more information, visit this link.

Tourists visit Palma Cathedral

Tourists visit Palma Cathedral. Photo: Teresa Ayuga.

Tourism on the rise in Spain

Tourism in Spain continues to show strength in the first quarter of 2025, with a 3.2% year-on-year growth in tourist GDP, outpacing the overall economy. Employment also grew by 2.2%, consolidating the trend towards permanent contracts. However, tourism businesses are concerned about the high level of absenteeism, warns Exceltur in its outlook report for the second quarter.

Although sales grew by 2.7%, the pace was slower compared to the end of 2024 due to the rains in March. Tourism spending remained strong thanks to international demand, particularly from European markets. Destinations such as Madrid (+14%) and the Canary Islands stand out in growth, while coastal areas showed more moderate progress.

Forecasts for Holy Week and the second quarter are optimistic, anticipating growth of 5.3% and 5.2%, respectively. The best expectations are focused on transport, car hire, and travel agencies.

Despite the positive outlook, Exceltur emphasises the need to accelerate strategic reforms in the face of global instability, avoid new tourist taxes, promote the Tourism Litoral Plan 2030, and strengthen public-private collaboration.