Housing costs and overcrowding hurt Spain's tourism reputation

Spain's tourism reputation is declining despite record-breaking tourist arrivals, primarily due to rising housing costs and anti-tourism protests. Over 35 million tourists visited Spain in the first five months of 2025, a 5.5% increase from the previous year. However, public perception of tourism, which accounts for over 13% of the GDP, has worsened, with a recent survey giving it a score of 4.7 out of 10. The study, conducted quarterly since 2022, highlights gentrification and overcrowding as key concerns, particularly in coastal regions and major cities. This contrasts with more positive views in northern and inland areas.