Spanish tourism continues its exploits

In 2015, Spanish tourism did brilliantly throughout the summer season. After receiving some 8.8 million international tourists in July (or 6.3% more than last year), the destination beat all records in August with close to 9.2 million foreign visitors (or 1.6% more than in 2014). Several factors have played in favor of Spain as a destination, such as the geopolitical situation in North Africa, the drop in the Euro and the drop in the price of petrol.

Growth in international arrivals had a direct impact on hotel results in the country's hotel performances, as data published by MKG Hospitality show. In July, Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) for the sector increased by 17.1%, due to improvement in the occupancy rate by 4 points and 11% growth in the average daily rate. Growth in hotel results in August should also be underlined. On the period, the 11% increase in the RevPAR is due to a 2 point increase in occupancy rate and 8.2% growth in average daily rate.

With this kind of growth Spanish tourism is headed toward what will be one of best years yet. From January to August, some 47.2 million international tourists already visited the country, meaning 4.1% more than during the same period in 2014. It must be remembered that 2014 was a record year for the sector. The primary autonomous communities in the country benefited from this growth, the strongest increases in arrivals were recorded in that of Madrid (+11.2% foreign arrivals) and in Andalusia (+6.7%). In terms of hotel performances, this growth translates as 11.3% growth in the RevPAR in the first eight months of the year, with respect to 2014. it is the result of the 3 point increase in occupancy rate and 6.4% of the average daily rate.

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