Valencia has achieved a new milestone in foreign tourist arrivals for the first half of 2024, welcoming 5,309,844 international visitors. This represents a significant 19.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Accompanying this surge is a record-breaking expenditure of 6.4 billion euros by these tourists, reflecting a remarkable 28% year-on-year growth, one of the highest rates seen nationwide.
The British market has been the primary driver behind this boost in spending within the region, contributing 1.6 billion euros by June—a 33% increase over the same period last year. The Nordic market also saw substantial growth, with visitors spending 767.3 million euros, up by 37.4%, while French tourists spent 703.2 million euros, marking a 17.6% increase year-on-year. It is worth noting that prices across sectors such as hotels and hospitality have risen during this period.
These figures represent the best results ever recorded in the historical data, continuing a positive trend in foreign tourism observed in recent months. From January to June, the average expenditure per visitor in the Valencian Community reached 1,212 euros, a 6.6% increase from the previous year. The average stay lengthened to 9.3 days, a 4.3% rise compared to 2023, with daily spending averaging 130 euros, a 2.3% increase year-on-year.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, in compliance with Orden PRE/1282/2007 and RD 145/2024, the minimum financial requirement for entry into Spain is 113.4 euros per person per day. Regardless of the duration of stay, travelers must possess at least 1,020.6 euros or its equivalent.
Valencia Tourist Arrivals by Market
The United Kingdom remains the largest source of tourists for the Valencian Community, with 1,419,811 British visitors in the first half of the year, an 18.7% increase from 2023. France follows with 823,189 tourists, marking an 18% rise, while the Nordic countries contributed 487,095 visitors, a 22.6% increase. The Netherlands saw 397,308 visitors, representing a 17.3% growth.
The German market also expanded significantly, with 374,833 German tourists arriving by June, a 24.5% increase. The Italian market grew by 23.9%, with 272,146 Italian tourists during the same period.
June’s Historical Peak for the Valencian Community
June alone saw the Valencian Community welcoming 1,120,102 international tourists, a 19.5% year-on-year increase. These visitors collectively spent 1.4 billion euros, a 26.3% rise compared to June 2023.
During this month, the average expenditure per visitor was 1,253 euros, a 5.7% increase, with daily spending reaching 132 euros, up by 2.7% year-on-year. Most tourists stayed for 9.5 days, contributing to 10.6 million overnight stays, a 23% increase compared to June 2023.
The main markets in June were the United Kingdom, France, and the Nordic countries, with the latter showing a significant year-on-year increase of 41.2%. Italian arrivals rose by 25.2%, while German arrivals grew by 3%.
