Spain is witnessing a significant increase in tourist arrivals from India, a trend reflecting both rising Indian interest in cultural tourism and strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries, according to BLS International.
Commenting on the shift, Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International, noted that Indian travellers are increasingly drawn to immersive and curated experiences in Spain. “Spain has become a favoured destination for Indian tourists as their travels reflect a desire for deeper cultural connections, mirroring the growing diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations,” he said.
The demand for Spanish tourist visas from Indian applicants has grown notably between 2022 and 2024, with a marked increase in early 2023. Indian tourists are now seeking more than traditional sightseeing—luxury cruises, culinary tours, football matches featuring top clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, and popular festivals such as La Tomatina are among the experiences driving the surge.
Looking ahead, Aggarwal highlighted 2026 as a pivotal year, as it has been jointly declared by India and Spain as the Spain-India Year of Culture, Tourism, and Artificial Intelligence. “Indian tourists play a major role in driving Spain’s tourism economy and are expected to see a surge in 2026,” he said.
India now ranks among Spain’s top 10 tourism revenue-generating markets, bolstered by a rising middle class and increasing demand for high-value, personalised experiences. From flamenco performances and Spanish gastronomy to cultural festivals and heritage walks, Indian visitors are contributing not just economically but also to deeper people-to-people engagement.
Spain, in response, is enhancing flight connectivity and customising its offerings to cater to this growing demographic of Indian travellers.
The development comes as part of a broader trend of expanding Indo-Spanish cooperation, with tourism emerging as a key pillar of bilateral relations.
