Will Spain Achieve First Place in International Tourism by 2026?
The global travel landscape is witnessing a historic shift. For decades, France has held the undisputed crown as the world's most visited country. However, as we move through 2026, the question is no longer if Spain can compete, but rather when it will officially claim the number one spot. With record-breaking figures closing out 2025 and an unprecedented surge in the demand for exclusive vacation villa rentals in Spain , the Iberian Peninsula is positioned as the new epicenter of global elite travel. The Numbers Behind the Boom: A Record-Breaking 2025 Spain entered 2026 with the wind in its sails. According to preliminary data from the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism , the country closed 2025 with a staggering 97 million international tourists . This represents a 3.5% increase from the already historic 2024, where 94 million visitors graced Spanish shores. While France has historically stayed ahead—hitting the 100 million mark in 2024 thanks to ...