A record year for tourism on the Costa del Sol in 2024
A record year for tourism on the Costa del Sol in 2024
2024 proved to be a breakthrough year for tourism on the Costa del Sol, which achieved record results. 14.47 million tourists visited the region, representing a 3.17% increase compared to the previous year. Tourism revenues reached an impressive €21.223 billion, a 10.9% increase compared to 2023. A total of 95,799,505 foreign tourists visited Spain in 2024.
Spain breaks records among Polish tourists
Spain recorded another record number of visitors from Poland. In 2024, 2.4 million Poles visited the country, with approximately 500,000 choosing Andalusia, a 30% increase compared to the previous year. Polish tourists spent over €3.2 billion in Spain, with their average daily spend rising to €189.
Increase in the number of foreign tourists
The Costa del Sol enjoyed significant growth in international visitors. International tourist numbers rose by 6.9%, with the UK, Germany, and Italy dominating the top markets.
Development of infrastructure and tourist offer
In 2024, the region's accommodation capacity expanded significantly. The number of tourist apartments on the Costa del Sol increased by 13.5%, reaching 659,030 places. This offer was used by 8.1 million travelers, representing a 1.2% increase. A total of 30.5 million overnight stays were generated, representing a 3.4% increase. Over 60% of guests were foreign, primarily from the UK, Italy, the US, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Investments in the hotel sector
The region's attractiveness has been enhanced by extensive investment in hotel infrastructure. Approximately 80% of Costa del Sol hotels have been modernized over the past 15 years. In 2024, the hotel occupancy rate reached 79.8%, an increase of 6.24 percentage points compared to the previous year.
Development of air connections
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport plans to serve 156 destinations worldwide in the 2025 summer season, offering 20.9 million seats – a 4.6% increase compared to the previous summer season. The largest number of connections is to the United Kingdom, with 55 routes and nearly 5 million seats available.
Summary
The Costa del Sol's record-breaking tourism results in 2024 are the result of strategic investments in infrastructure, effective promotional activities, and adapting its offerings to the expectations of international tourists. The region is strengthening its position as one of Europe's leading tourist destinations while ensuring high-quality services.
