The number of foreign visitors to Spain has far exceeded governmental predictions. Some nine million tourists have visited Spain over the last quarter. An increase of 2.9% from the same period in 2010.
Who’s behind the increase?
Tourists from the Benelux countries saw the largest overall increase. Visitors from the Netherlands increased by 22% and Belgium saw a 20% increase.
Other countries of note were, Switzerland (up 14.8%), Italy (11% increase) and the Scandinavian countries (11.7% increase).
Despite a 4.8% fall in visitors from the UK. British visitors still account for the largest number of foreign tourists in aggregate numbers, with 1.8 million visitors in the first quarter. Followed by 1.47 million Germans (down 3.7%).
The French market saw the largest increase in aggregate numbers, with a rise of 2.7% or 1.2million.
The Canaries proved to be the most popular tourist destinations with 30.6% demand, followed by Cataluña with 22.9%, and Andalucía with 13.6%.
More people are beginning to appreciate the flexibility and price saving offered by renting your holiday home directly from the owners. With a 5% increase in demand.
All-in-all a great start to 2011.
