The UK’s long-running spell as Spain’s top tourists has come to an end. (Image: Getty)
British tourists have been dethroned as the top nationality visiting Spain by the French.
The UK’s long-running spell has come to an end, as 2.14 million Frenchmen came compared to 2.12 million Brits in August.
It’s the first time the have been knocked off the top spot since the pandemic when outnumbered the Brits in 2020.
However, in light of the news locals will not be happy as despite being the largest group visiting Spain in August, they were the stingiest spenders.
The French were watching their purse strings, spending €2.18 billion while visiting in August, or approximately €1,018.69 per person, or €135 a day.
It’s the first time the Brits have been knocked off the top spot in four years. (Image: Getty)
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Among all the nationalities listed in the data as even though there were 200,000 fewer Brits they still forked out €3 billion between them, or €1,426 each.
Brits are still on top overall, with 12.6 million visitors so far in 2024, way ahead of second-placed France with 9.2 million.
With 1.2 million Germans visiting in August and 8 million for the entire year.
A whopping 20.7 percent of total spending in August was on accommodation, an increase of 15.6 percent compared to the same month in 2023 demonstrating continue to flock to despite the growing frustration at expressed by locals.
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Tourists continue to flock to Spain despite frustration at overtourism. (Image: Getty)
Spain has seen a wave of anti-tourism protests sweep the country in 2024 as locals complain about significant issues caused by the month of August marked the in
There are fears that could become a with the number of tourists visiting the country predicted to hit 95 million by the end of the year.
Whilst negative consequences of mass tourism might be a reality, the country is battling to balance these against the significant economic benefits of one of the nation’s most important industries.
In areas such as the , around 80 percent of people are employed in roles related to tourism and just six percent of visitors to Spain came for reasons other than leisure in August.