This time we are going to talk about travel trends according to Spaniards, a topic that is constantly changing and evolving, reflecting economic, cultural and technological factors. In recent years, travel habits have changed radically, but there are some recurring points that we continue to observe.
We're going to break down both the favourite national and international destinations, as well as the most common types of trips, to get a clear picture of where and how Spaniards like to travel.
Favorite destinations for Spaniards
In recent years, Trips abroad have shown a notable increase. Among the most chosen destinations we find nearby European countries such as France, Italy, Portugal and England. The reasons include geographical proximity, cultural offerings and easy air connections with these countries. A recent study by Mastercard indicates that these destinations are showing significant recovery after the pandemic. Spain, on the other hand, remains one of the most sought-after destinations by other European travelers.
However, viajes nacionales They continue to compete in popularity. Autonomous Communities such as Aragón, Castilla y León and Castilla-La Mancha are among the favourites of Spanish travellers. Many opt for short weekend trips, something that has been reflected in the growing popularity of city breaks to cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Seville for their rich cultural and gastronomic offering.
For those seeking nature, the rural areas of Galicia and Asturias have also gained ground, contributing to the boom of turismo rural as a key trend. The Balearic Islands y Canary Islands, for their part, dominate the preferences for summer holidays, offering a combination of paradisiacal beaches, warm weather and excellent tourist infrastructure.
Spaniards seek varied experiences
An interesting fact is that more than 50% of Spanish travelers According to a report by Travelzoo, travelers are looking for new destinations every year. This reflects a change in travel habits, where there is a clear preference for variety and the search for new experiences compared to previous decades when the trend of repeated summer vacations dominated.
El experiential tourism has also gained traction, with many travelers opting to experience local culture through gastronomy, with wine and culinary tours that offer a greater connection with the destinations visited. A Skyscanner report found that by 2024, a 28% of travelers booked trips solely to visit specific restaurants, highlighting gastronomy as one of the main motivations for traveling.
Added to the interest in culture and food, the Sports events y Arrangements are another major motivation. In this regard, the summer of 2024 is expected to be particularly vibrant due to events such as the Olympic Games in France and the European Championship in Germany, which have generated a significant increase in travel demand for sporting events.
The impact of technology on tourism
Technology has played a key role in how Spaniards plan and experience their travels. Over the past few years, digitalization has made it easier to compare prices, find reviews from other travelers, and book flights and hotels. Today, the 69% of Spaniards use platforms like Skyscanner to book accommodation and the 30% of travelers already use artificial intelligence tools to plan their trips, according to recent data from Visa and Mastercard.
Accommodation preferences and sustainability
As technology helps personalize the travel experience, it has also fostered the growth of sustainable tourism, an emerging trend that advocates reducing the carbon footprint and connecting more deeply with destinations. The 20minutos report highlights that the slow tourism and longer stays are now preferred by travellers conscious of their environmental impact.
New ways of travelling: emerging trends
Part of the growth in tourism after the pandemic has been driven by MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, which has returned to record levels. This type of travel, dedicated to conferences, corporate events, etc., is especially important in destinations such as Madrid and Barcelona.
Another notable emerging market is the senior tourism. Seniors are looking for popular destinations such as Andalusia, but also international destinations with a focus on wellness and culture. Cruises and wellness breaks are particularly popular within this segment, as the boom in bookings to international destinations such as New York, Bangkok or Buenos Aires revealed by Hosteltur.
In an economic context in which inflation continues to have weight, many people opt for shorter experiences but with better services. The rise of affordable luxury It is clear evidence that Spaniards want to enjoy comfort without exceeding their budgets.
As the years go by, it is clear that Spanish tourism is increasingly focused on sustainability, technology and unique experiences. These key factors mark the preferences of travelers who seek to enjoy themselves and, at the same time, reduce their impact on the environment.