Madrid Sets New Tourism Record with €10 Billion Revenue in H1 2026
Madrid has solidified its position as a leading global travel destination, achieving a significant tourism milestone in the first half of 2026. As reported by Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), the city saw international visitors spending an unprecedented €10.007 billion from January to June. This represents a remarkable 11.4% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2025.
The Spanish capital welcomed 5.66 million tourists during this period, marking a 4.1% increase year-on-year. International travelers made up 59% of all arrivals, contributing to two-thirds of total overnight stays. With nearly 12 million overnight stays recorded, Madrid’s growth rate was 3% higher than the national average.
The United States continued to be Madrid’s primary source of tourists, with over 567,000 American visitors accounting for more than 1.3 million overnight stays. Italy and the United Kingdom followed closely behind, while Brazil showed the most significant growth, with a 30% increase in visitor numbers. The city’s tourism sector now employs 15,249 hospitality workers, a 5.4% increase year-on-year, across 920 establishments providing more than 96,000 beds.
Madrid’s Tourism Councillor, Almudena Maíllo, attributed the city’s global allure — from its world-renowned museums and vibrant gastronomy to its new role as the World Travel & Tourism Council’s headquarters — as the driving force behind this historic growth.
Source: Euronews – Madrid breaks tourism record, tops €10 billion in international spending in six months