Spain featured a 3.1% increase in visitor number form January to October compared to the same period last year.
SPAIN – From January to October 2012, Spain received over 52 million tourists, a 3.1% year on year increase compared to the same period in 2011.
The UK represented almost a quarter of total international arrivals (24%) with 12.5 million visitors, representing a slight year on year decrease of 0.6%. Germany was the second largest market (16.2%) with 8.4 million tourists showing a 4.3% year on year increase. France was the third largest market for international visitors (15.4%) with over 8 million arrivals showing an impressive 6.3% year on year increase.
The figures also reveal an unusual increase in the number of Russian visitors to Spain with a 41% year on year increase, with over one million visitors.
Catalonia proved to be the most popular destination from January to October with 13 million arrivals. Visitors to the region represented over a quarter of total arrivals at 25.2% and showed a 10.5% year on year increase.
For the UK alone, the Balearic Islands were the most popular choice, attracting in excess of 3 million UK tourist arrivals from January to October. The Canary Islands were the next most popular choice with more than 2.9 million UK visitors for the same period, followed by Andalucia (>2.1 million) and the Region of Valencia (>1.8 million).
Looking at the motive for travel from January to the end of October, over 93% of UK visitors claimed to travel to Spain for leisure or holiday purposes, 3.4% travelled for work purposes and just over 1.8% travelled for personal reasons (including health and family).
In terms of accommodation, 63% of UK visitors from January to October opted for hotel accommodation and 37% booked their holiday as part of a package.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
