In 2016, Catalonia welcomed over 17.9 million foreign visitors, which equated to an expenditure figure of €17,328 million (increase of 12.8%). Catalonia has been the top destination for foreign tourists in Spain with over 23.8% of the total visits to the country, followed by the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands.
Known world-wide for its exceptional culinary scene, Catalonia celebrated the Year of Gastronomy in 2016 following the award of European Region of Gastronomy 2016, and it has reaffirmed its position as one of the leading gastronomic destinations in the world.
The United Kingdom is the second largest source market for tourism in Catalonia, with more than 2 million British tourists visiting Catalonia in 2016, a 6.9% growth when compared to 2015. Spending by British visitors in 2016 totalled €1.6 billion (9.4% increase). The average spend per tourist increased by 2.7% compared with 2015, reaching the €798, while the average daily spend per tourist was €138, increasing a 2.3%.
The Catalan Tourist Board has declared 2017 the Year of Sustainable Tourism following the path of the United Nations, and will include sustainability as an overall value into its own tourist model, focusing especially on areas such as ecotourism, nature tourism and accessible tourism, among others. The commitment and effort in actually making Catalonia a Sustainable Tourism destination has been going on for years and one of the main achievements has been the certification as Biosphere Destination in 2015, awarded by the Institute of Responsible Tourism.
