Data from the Patronat de Turisme Costa Brava Girona and the Tourism Data System by Eurecat indicate that although the number of tourists fell by 3.5% (to 8,178,901), overnight stays slightly increased to 28,382,316. This trend points to an extension of average stays, now at 3.4 nights, favoring deseasonalization and reducing the carbon footprint.
Foreign tourism has regained significant weight, accounting for 55% of total stays. Key markets showed strong growth, including the British (+15%), Italian (+25%), North American (+10%), and notably the Irish, with a 45% increase. This international boost led to a 4.5% rise in the overall spending of foreign tourists in Catalonia.
“"Tourist activity is consolidating. Foreign tourism is recovering volume and generating more spending in the territory. We must continue this growth sustainably."
By tourist brands, the Costa Brava concentrated most activity with 7,197,285 tourists and 26.2 million overnight stays. The Pirineu de Girona received 981,616 tourists, with 2.1 million overnight stays (+1.4%). Hotels remain the preferred accommodation type (13.8 million nights), followed by campsites (11.5 million). Girona Airport closed the year with a 10% increase in passengers, exceeding 2.1 million, while the ports of Palamós and Roses recorded 69,000 cruise passengers, generating an estimated economic impact of 6.6 million euros (+29%).
