Spain expects a record summer for inbound tourism — around 43 million visitors and nearly €64 billion in spending — even as 32.2% of residents say they cannot afford at least a week away. Rising housing, food and energy costs are pushing holidays down household budgets, with 52% of families describing holidays as difficult or very difficult to afford. OCU urges policy action to ease the cost of living and warns consumer tips alone won’t fix the problem for those struggling to cover essentials.
Record-Breaking Spanish Summer Tourism — But One in Three Locals Can’t Afford a Week Away
Spain breaks tourism records while one in three Spaniards cannot afford a holiday
Spain is poised for a record summer in inbound tourism even as a large share of its population struggles to afford a short holiday. Turespaña, the tourism agency under the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, forecasts roughly 43 million international visitors between June and September — about 6% more than the same period in 2025 — with inbound spending approaching €64 billion.
Tourism Boom vs Household Strain
That upbeat projection contrasts sharply with the National Statistics Institute's (INE) 2025 Living Conditions Survey, which found that 32.2% of Spaniards could not afford to be away from home for at least one week a year. Although that share fell by 1.2 percentage points from 2024, a sizeable portion of households still view holidays as unaffordable.
A woman holds a placard during a protest in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday 24 May 2026, against rising housing costs. - Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
“The fact that one in three Spaniards cannot go on holiday this summer is not an isolated event, but the reflection of an economic reality that OCU has been observing for years,” said Ileana Izverniceanu, Communications Director at the Spanish Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU).
Which Costs Are Biting Families?
OCU data shared with Euronews highlights the pressures many households face: 45% struggle with housing-related costs (rent, mortgage, bills), 42% have difficulty affording groceries—especially staples such as meat and fish—and nearly half of renters report trouble paying rent. Other pressures include motoring costs (48%), dental bills (46%) and energy bills (36%).
Holidays Cut Or Downsized
OCU’s holiday survey finds 27% of respondents say they will not go on holiday this year and a further 8% are unsure. Overall, 52% of households say a holiday is difficult or very difficult to afford. Families who do travel report shortening trips, choosing closer destinations, seeking cheaper accommodation and trimming leisure spending to make ends meet.
Tourists seek shade during a heatwave in central Madrid, Spain, on Thursday 9 July 2026. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) - Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
The survey estimates average family costs at €1,555 for a beach holiday, €2,327 for a trip abroad and €665 for a short village break. With 69% of households struggling to save, financing occasional expenses such as holidays often requires sacrificing other essentials.
Policy Calls And Practical Steps
OCU argues that holidays are important for physical and mental wellbeing and should not be normalised as an unreachable luxury. The consumer group calls for targeted measures to reduce the cost of living—especially in housing, energy and food—and urges policymakers to ease household pressures. For consumers, OCU recommends planning in advance, comparing prices, checking booking terms and using secure platforms and payment methods, while noting these tips are insufficient for families barely covering basics.
Data Snapshot
- Turespaña: ~43 million visitors expected (June–September), +6% vs 2025; inbound spending ~€64bn.
- INE Living Conditions Survey 2025: 32.2% cannot afford ≥1 week away.
- OCU Family Solvency Index: 47.4 points, still below pre-pandemic levels.
- Household pressures: 45% housing; 42% food; 48% motoring; 36% energy; nearly half of renters struggle with rent.
As tourism revenues climb, the contrast with household hardship underlines growing socioeconomic tensions: inbound visitors boost national receipts while a substantial share of residents face shrinking access to rest and recreation.
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