Spain tourism ranks third as infrastructure improves
Spain ranks third in the world for tourism development in 2026, with stronger scores for visitor infrastructure and air links. Figures reported on 9 October put it behind Japan and the United States, with 5.22 points out of 7. The Travel & Tourism Development Index, produced by the World Economic Forum with Zurich Insurance Group, compares conditions for tourism across 110 economies.
What Spain’s ranking measures
Spain’s score for tourism services and infrastructure rises 15.9% from the previous edition. Its air transport score improves 5.9%, while its score for the sustainability of tourism demand rises 5.1%. Spain also ranks ahead of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, making it the highest-placed European economy in the index.
The index uses 102 indicators to assess how well economies can develop tourism. It does not count visitors or tourism revenue. Spain ranks third separately for air transport and for tourism services and infrastructure.
Growth puts destinations under strain
International tourist arrivals worldwide reached a record 1,500 million in 2025. The report warns that growth can put pressure on infrastructure, housing, public services and local resources. For heavily visited destinations such as Spain, it says the challenge is not just attracting tourists but managing where and when they travel.
Costs add another strain: global price competitiveness fell 3.1% between 2024 and 2026. The report says the industry could face a shortfall of 43 million workers by 2035. Among its recommendations are spreading demand across source markets and seasons, and investing in workers’ skills.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com