Catalonia received 2.1 million foreign tourists in July, once again being the most popular destination in Spain

Barcelona (ACN).- The Spanish Institute of Touristic Studies announced on Thursday that this July, 2.1 million foreign visitors came to Catalonia, an increase of 3.1% on July 2012. This means that Catalonia received 26.7% of Spain’s total international tourists and it is confirmed as the most popular tourist destination within the whole of Spain. The increase in Russian visitors has been the main cause of this growth, while French tourists account for the largest share with a third of all visitors. Since January, 8.7 million foreign visitors have come to Catalonia, an increase of 5.1% on the same period of 2012. Spain as a whole also saw an increase during July of 2.9% compared to 2012, with a total of 7,876,000 international tourists which is the highest level ever achieved for this month. Nordic countries, the UK and Russia have seen the largest growth in tourists coming to Catalonia, with Andalucía also benefiting from this increase. From January until the end of July over 34 million visitors came to Spain, a rise of 3.9% on 2012. This figure is the highest ever achieved and surpasses the 2008 rate of 33.6 million.

The Balearic Islands and Andalucía are among the most popular destinations

Behind Catalonia, the Balearic Islands (Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera) is the Autonomous Community that received the second highest amount of foreign visitors between January and July, with 6.2 million people, a 7.2% increase on last year. The islands received a 1.7% increase in German tourists this July, along with an increase in British, Scandinavians and Russians. However, the amount of Italian visitors has declined.

Andalucía was the 3^rd most popular Autonomous Community for foreign tourists during July, with a large amount of both British and Scandinavians. The Canary Islands was the 4^th most popular and saw arrivals increase by 2.7%, meaning it has three successive months of increases.

Valencia sees a major increase; Madrid experiences a reduction

Valencia has also seen a considerable growth this year with an increase between January and July of 11.8% on 2012, with more than 3.3 million tourists. British, French and Nordic visitors were the main reason for this increase. In July, Valencia received an increase of 5.5% on the previous year.

Despite the positive figures around the country, the Community of Madrid saw a reduction during July of 10.7%, which means it has experienced three successive months of declines. Along with French and Latin American tourists, Italians have been the main reason for this reduction. Since January, Madrid received 2.8 million tourists, 5.7% lower than the same period last year.