Spain welcomes over 200,000 visitors from UAE in 2024

Carlos Ruiz González, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office for the GCC, announced that Spain welcomed over 200,000 visitors from the UAE in 2024, including both Emirati nationals and residents.

He noted that this figure reflects an increase of approximately 17% compared to 2023, signalling a continued gradual recovery in tourist movement between the two countries following the pandemic years.

Speaking to the media during his participation in the Discover Europe Travel Summit meets Marhaba 2025, which concluded on Saturday in Dubai, González highlighted that the spending levels of tourists from the UAE, and the Gulf region in general, surpass the average spending of tourists globally.

He pointed out that visitors from the UAE and the broader GCC are among the highest spenders, with the average expenditure per tourist estimated at around €3,000 per trip, roughly double the average spending of European tourists, who make up the majority of Spain’s visitors.

González further explained that about 90% of Spain's tourists come from within Europe, particularly from the UK, Germany, and France. However, spending by GCC visitors significantly exceeds that of other tourists.

González emphasised that Spanish interest in the region, particularly in the UAE, is steadily increasing, despite the fact that most Spaniards traditionally spend their holidays within Spain or in neighbouring European countries.

He underscored the growing importance of the GCC market, especially the UAE, for Spanish tourism, both in terms of visitor numbers and visitor quality.He concluded, "We are committed to further developing our relations in the region. We believe there is significant potential for growth in the coming years."

WAM