The tourist spending by card in Spain advanced 4.7% in the first four months of 2026, but it did so at a somewhat slower pace, with a deceleration of 1.8 percentage points compared to the end of 2025. This lower momentum occurs in an environment of generalized price increases and more contained domestic tourism growth (+3%), despite the strength of demand from abroad (+6.2%).
This is according to a recent analysis by BBVA Research, which also highlights the greater dynamism of destinations in the north and interior of the peninsula, where Castilla-La Mancha, Murcia, La Rioja, and Asturias register the most significant growth.
Conversely, the islands were the only regions where a decrease in spending was detected, while Madrid and the Basque Country concentrated a large part of the loss of momentum compared to the immediately preceding period.
Looking at the month-by-month evolution, the spending of national and foreign tourists showed marked weakness in January and February. The rebound in March is largely explained by the effect of Easter week, especially visible in Spanish demand. In April, domestic tourism practically stagnated, while the flow of foreign visitors continued to show robust growth.
Specifically, Easter week recorded an increase of 6.8% in total spending, driven by the greater dynamism of Spaniards in most regions. The report points to more wintry weather and the difficulties of the geopolitical context as reasons that may explain the temporary slowdown in the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.
Regarding the conflict in the Middle East, BBVA has indicated that Spanish spending has fallen significantly since the outbreak of the war. In contrast, spending in Asia, Turkey, or Egypt was not particularly affected.
In relation to one of the effects of the war, the upward pressure on prices, transport services were particularly affected, growing strongly again so far this year, almost 9% year-on-year.
Similarly, inflation in accommodation services, restaurants, and tourist packages is rising. Only in recreational and cultural activities was there some moderation, according to the study.