In two thousand twenty-four, foreign tourists set a new spending record in the Region of Murcia, totalling one billion one hundred seventy million euros. This remarkable figure represents a thirty-two point six percent increase compared to the previous year and outstrips the one billion one hundred million euro threshold. Murcia is witnessing the second highest year-on-year growth in foreign tourism, considerably above the national average.

British tourists dominated the spending, contributing three hundred fifty-three million euros, a thirty percent rise from the year before. This increase highlights the UK’s return to pre-Brexit and pre-pandemic spending patterns, confirming its position as the largest market for the region. French tourists followed closely behind, with spending hitting an all-time high of one hundred thirty-eight million euros, a thirty-one point nine percent increase.

January and February saw record numbers, with one hundred thirty thousand six hundred eighty foreign tourists visiting the region, a twenty-six point three percent rise from the same period in two thousand twenty-four. Emerging markets like Belgium are also making their mark, with spending increasing to nine point four percent of the total, surpassing Germany. Individual tourists from the UAE, Switzerland, and China showcased exceptional spending averages, exceeding one thousand euros per person.

The Tourism Institute’s director, Juan Francisco Martínez, remarked on the growing international interest in the Region of Murcia. He noted that these tourists are high-spending and long-staying, aligning with the region’s aims for de-seasonalised tourism. With a thirty-two point six percent growth rate, Murcia is only surpassed by Navarra, which achieved a thirty-six point five percent increase.