DUBAI: Spain UAE tourism is booming as over 200,000 visitors from the UAE travelled to Spain in 2024. This exciting figure, shared by Carlos Ruiz González, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office for the GCC, marks a 17% rise compared to 2023.
Speaking at the Discover Europe Travel Summit meets Marhaba 2025 event in Dubai, González said this growth shows a strong recovery in travel between Spain and the UAE after the pandemic. He added that UAE tourists, including Emiratis and residents, are among the world’s highest spenders, making Spain UAE tourism a key area of focus.
González revealed that UAE and GCC tourists spend around €3,000 per trip in Spain – double the amount spent by European visitors. While around 90% of Spain’s tourists are from Europe, particularly the UK, Germany, and France, travellers from the Gulf region are valued for their high spending and interest in luxury experiences.
Highlighting the strong potential for future growth, González said that Spanish tourism authorities are increasing their efforts to attract even more visitors from the GCC, especially the UAE. He explained that Spanish holidaymakers usually prefer local or nearby destinations, but growing ties with the UAE market are changing that.
“We see great potential for Spain UAE tourism to grow in the coming years,” González said. “We are committed to strengthening our partnerships and making Spain a preferred destination for UAE travellers.”
The event in Dubai served as a platform for Spain to showcase its attractions to travel agents and partners, building excitement for future trips.
With luxury, shopping, gastronomy, and culture all appealing strongly to UAE visitors, Spain is clearly setting its sights on welcoming even more tourists from the Gulf.
