Foreign tourists spend 36% more than Spanish travelers

JSBy Joan SanzCurated by Joan Sanz. · July 26, 2026 · Follow on LinkedIn

Voice reading · ~1 min

The latest Mastercard Tourism Payment Barometer, produced by Inmark, reveals a spending gap of 36% in average spend per trip: €2,618 for international tourists in Spain vs €1,926 for Spanish travelers abroad. That's according to Hosteltur.

Both profiles share a common trend: they prioritize spending on experiences and increasingly digital financial planning. The study also notes that long-haul travelers from non-EU countries spend the most. For hoteliers, the takeaway is straightforward. If your property targets international guests, you're looking at a customer with 36% more budget than the domestic traveler. Are you preparing experience packages, optimizing digital payment processes, and tailoring your value proposition for that profile? The extra revenue opportunity is on the table. Go get it.

Quick questions

How much does the average foreign tourist spend in Spain?

According to the Mastercard Barometer, international tourists spend an average of €2,618 per trip in Spain, 36% more than Spanish travelers abroad.

What is the average spending of Spanish travelers abroad?

Spanish travelers spend an average of €1,926 per trip when traveling abroad, per the same study.

Why does this spending gap matter for hotels?

Because attracting international high-spending tourists can boost average revenue per guest by 36%. Tailoring your offering to that profile makes all the difference.

Which international travelers spend the most?

Long-haul travelers from non-EU countries are the highest spenders, according to the Mastercard and Inmark report.

How can hotels attract these high-spending tourists?

By digitalizing payments, offering unique experiences and premium packages, and positioning your hotel on international distribution channels.

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