Spain’s Tourism Boom in Q1 2025

Spain's tourism boom in Q1 2025 has set new benchmarks for international arrivals and spending, marking a turning point for both the hospitality and real estate sectors. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), over 17.1 million international tourists visited Spain between January and March 2025 — a 5.7% increase from the same period in 2024.

March alone brought in 6.6 million travellers, contributing to a staggering €9.114 billion in monthly tourism revenue. The overall spend for Q1 topped €23.5 billion, solidifying Spain’s position as one of the world’s top destinations.

The average spend per traveller rose to €1,382, with daily expenditure averaging €188. This trend reflects Spain’s strategic shift toward quality tourism, attracting high-value visitors with greater purchasing power.
Sources: INE – Frontur March 2025, INE – Egatur March 2025

Leading the surge in Spain’s tourism boom in Q1 2025 was the United Kingdom, which sent over 3.1 million visitors, a 4.6% increase year-on-year. France and Germany remained strong performers with more than 2 million travellers each. Notably, the United States recorded an 11% increase in tourist arrivals, signalling a major shift in Spain’s transatlantic appeal and boosting demand in high-end coastal regions.

As one of Spain’s most desirable destinations, the Costa del Sol — including Marbella, Estepona, and Benahavís — has seen direct benefits from the Q1 2025 tourism boom. With its award-winning beaches, luxury dining, golf resorts, and international schools, the region has attracted a growing wave of affluent travellers looking for both short-term rentals and second-home opportunities.
This renewed momentum is driving demand across the Costa del Sol real estate market, particularly in areas with strong lifestyle infrastructure and beachfront access.

The link between Spain’s tourism boom in early 2025 and real estate demand is clear. An increase in affluent, experience-driven travellers fuels the short-term rental market and raises long-term interest in property purchases. Areas like Cabo Bermejo and Torre Bermeja are among the most sought-after beachfront communities, while Los Flamingos Golf continues to attract those seeking golf-side living and resort-style amenities.

The government’s commitment to sustainable tourism and seasonal diversification is strengthening the real estate outlook even further. As Spain actively promotes off-season travel and regional development, areas like the New Golden Mile are gaining year-round interest from international buyers and investors. This creates added stability and long-term rental value in premium coastal developments.

The effects of Spain's record tourism numbers in Q1 2025 are expected to echo well beyond the travel industry. In real estate, high tourist inflows typically lead to appreciation in property values, especially in high-demand coastal zones. Locations that cater to lifestyle buyers — with security, sea views, and five-star amenities — are seeing accelerated interest from both European and overseas investors.

This first-quarter boom offers a strategic entry point for international clients looking to invest in Costa del Sol property. With a strong eurozone economy, favourable visa regulations, and rising tourism demand, Spain continues to stand out as a prime destination for real estate buyers seeking capital growth, rental income, and a Mediterranean lifestyle.

The convergence of rising tourism figures, high rental demand, and limited prime beachfront inventory has created a rare moment in the market. Investors entering the Costa del Sol now are positioning themselves ahead of likely price increases in the second half of the year. With Spain maintaining momentum in both tourism and infrastructure investment, properties bought today are likely to benefit from sustained value growth in the medium and long term.

What sets the Costa del Sol apart is its ability to offer both exceptional lifestyle quality and strong return potential. Buyers aren't just investing in property — they’re gaining access to a destination that consistently ranks among the best in Europe for sun, safety, healthcare, and leisure. With flexible remote working trends still in place and Spain’s Golden Visa programme active through early 2025, the region remains particularly attractive for international professionals and retirees alike.

Where to Invest: High-Demand Locations on the Costa del Sol
The momentum from Spain’s tourism boom in Q1 2025 is reshaping buyer priorities across the Costa del Sol. Demand remains high for properties in:
Cabo Bermejo
Torre Bermeja
Las Dunas Park
Los Flamingos Golf
Menara Beach
Los Granados del Mar

For a broader view of available opportunities, explore our premium property collections:
Estepona East: https://www.livingstone-estates.com/forsale/estepona/estepona-east
Marbella: https://www.livingstone-estates.com/forsale/marbella-all
Benahavís: https://www.livingstone-estates.com/forsale/benahavis
New Developments: https://www.livingstone-estates.com/developments

At Livingstone Estates, we provide expert guidance and tailored access to the most exclusive homes on the Costa del Sol, helping buyers align their real estate goals with Spain’s dynamic market trends.

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