Spain aims to address the decline in the average length of stay for UK visitors.
- UK visitors’ average stay dropped to 6.91 days in 2023 from 7.29 days in 2019.
- Overall visitor stays in Spain have increased, contrary to the UK trend.
- The Spanish Tourist Office is focusing on sustainability and less-travelled destinations.
- Enhanced collaboration with travel agents targets affluent, older travellers.
Spain has embarked on a mission to counter the reduction in the average duration of visitors from the United Kingdom. The latest figures reveal a slight decrease from 7.29 days in 2019 to 6.91 days in 2023, marking a 5% drop. This decline is noteworthy especially when juxtaposed with the overall visitor trend in Spain, which saw an increase in average stays from 7.11 days in 2019 to 7.30 days in 2023, reflecting a 2.5% growth.
Acknowledging this unique trend among UK visitors, Manuel Butler, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office in the UK, highlighted the necessity to intensify efforts to enhance the length of stay among Britons. He expressed optimism due to the resurgence of UK tourist numbers, which have returned to pre-pandemic figures of 17.3 million, albeit with a slight shortfall of 3.8% compared to 2019. Furthermore, there is a positive note in the increase in daily expenditure by UK tourists, rising from €136 in 2019 to €166 in the previous year.
In an ambitious move, Spain is determined to forge its reputation as a beacon of excellence and sustainability in tourism. The Spanish Tourist Office is leveraging strong alliances with travel agencies to achieve this, particularly targeting those above 55 years with higher incomes. According to Pedro Medina, Deputy Director, strategies have been rolled out to inspire year-round tourism by promoting lesser-known locations and encouraging sustainable travel options.
An emphasis on infrastructural strengths, such as Spain’s vast railway network, is central to these efforts. Maria Hernandez, a senior official at the Tourist Office, proudly pointed out that Spain hosts the second-largest high-speed rail network globally, second only to China. This infrastructure facilitates a more eco-friendly exploration of the country, aligning with the sustainable travel goals.
As Spain navigates this strategic roadmap, fostering responsible and sustainable tourism remains a priority. These initiatives are designed not just to attract longer visits but also to ensure that tourism growth aligns with environmental and cultural sustainability.
Spain is committed to reversing the decline in UK visitors’ stay durations by fostering sustainable and enriching travel experiences.
