Spending by tourists in Barcelona increases by 124 euros and is close to 2007 levels, with an average of 741 euros

Barcelona (ACN).- The President of Barcelona Tourism, Joan Gaspart, revealed spending by tourists in Barcelona in 2011 on average was 741 euros, 124 euros more than in 2010. In the first half of 2012, the number of tourists has increased by 1.69%, overnight stays by 2.26%, and credit card spending has increased by 27.08%, compared to the same period last year. Gaspart stated that these increases, although "modest", show that the industry "is doing a good job" to the point where predictions given for the rest of the year also show an improvement and that the tourism sector is aiding Barcelona in overcoming the effects of the economic crisis.

Accompanied by the Deputy Mayor for Finance, Sònia Recasens and the Director General of Tourism, Pere Duran, Gaspart presented the results of a survey of tourists in Barcelona. Between January and June, Barcelona welcomed over 3.5 million tourists, a 1.69% increase compared with the same period in 2011. However, the most significant figure is the increase in credit card use amongst tourists, from 846 million in the first half of 2011, to 1075 million in the first half of this year.

Concerning the origin of the tourists, Barcelona has seen fewer visitors from France and the United Kingdom and more visitors from the United States and Germany. One of the main findings of the survey is that the average expenditure of tourists has recovered to that seen before the economic crisis. According to the survey, of the average of 741 euros, 393 euros is spent on accommodation and the remaining 348 euros on other expenditures. After accommodation, the majority is spent on food and drink, 175.14 euros, and then shopping, 88.76 euros.