Dubai: Spain welcomed over 200,000 visitors from the UAE in 2024, marking a notable increase in tourism between the two countries. Carlos Ruiz Gonz¡lez, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office for the GCC, confirmed this development, noting a 17% rise in visitors compared to 2023, as tourism continues to recover from the pandemic.
According to Emirates News Agency, Gonz¡lez shared these insights during the Discover Europe Travel Summit meets Marhaba 2025 in Dubai. He highlighted that tourists from the UAE and the Gulf region generally spend more than the average global tourist, with an expenditure per visit estimated at around £3,000. This is roughly double the average spending of European tourists, who form the bulk of Spain's visitor demographic.
Gonz¡lez noted that although about 90% of Spain's tourists hail from within Europe, particularly from the UK, Germany, and France, GCC visitors exhibit higher spending patterns. He also remarked on the increasing Spanish interest in the UAE, despite many Spaniards traditionally vacationing within Spain or nearby European destinations.
The director emphasized the significance of the GCC market, especially the UAE, for Spanish tourism growth, both in visitor numbers and spending quality. He stated, "We are committed to further developing our relations in the region. We believe there is significant potential for growth in the coming years."