Spain continues to attract the GCC market, welcoming record visitors from the region in 2025, marking a 3% increase over 2024. The growth reflects Spain’s sustained appeal among Gulf travellers. Amid regional uncertainty, Spain Tourism recently hosted an event for the travel trade to further strengthen ties with the Middle East market.
TT Bureau
Spain Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to the Gulf Cooperation Council market during the recently held ‘Spain Table’ event, where luxury tourism officials and industry stakeholders gathered to discuss growth opportunities and future collaborations.
Opening the event, Namratha Rose, Partnerships and Marketing Manager, Turespaña, welcomed travel trade partners and explained the plan before inviting Carlos Ruiz Gonsalez, Director, Turespaña, to address attendees.
Speaking at the event, Gonsalez highlighted the positive momentum Spain continues to witness from the GCC market. “Spain welcomed 527,000 visitors from the GCC in 2025, marking a 3 per cent increase compared to 2024, reinforcing its appeal as a leading European destination for regional travellers,” he shared, adding that the increase reflects the destination’s growing popularity among Gulf travellers who are increasingly seeking immersive cultural experiences, luxury leisure offerings, and flexible travel opportunities across Europe.
A key driver behind this growth has been enhanced air connectivity between Spain and the Gulf region. Gonsalez explained that airlines continue to expand access to Spanish destinations, making travel more convenient for visitors from the Middle East.
During the presentation, Gonsalez also introduced Spain Tourism’s latest campaign, ‘Think you know Spain? – Think again’. The campaign aims to reposition Spain as a destination that extends beyond its traditional tourism appeal by showcasing diverse and evolving experiences across the country.
The campaign further encourages travellers to embrace slow travel, allowing visitors to explore Spain’s regional culture, gastronomy, heritage, and lifestyle at a more meaningful pace.
