Following a record 2024, Andalucía is gearing up for even stronger growth in tourism, driven by ambitious plans to further enhance air connectivity and attract international visitors.
The region welcomed an unprecedented 36.2 million visitors in 2024, marking a 5.5% increase over the previous year. This impressive rise was largely attributed to expanded airline routes and increased international accessibility, particularly from key markets in Europe and North America.
The influx included 13.6 million international travelers, representing an 11.5% rise compared to 2023. Notably, British tourists accounted for a major part of this growth, with 2.8 million visitors, nearing 93% of pre-pandemic figures. German tourism also remained robust, contributing 1.15 million visitors. This strong international presence resulted in tourism generating approximately €30 billion ($32 billion), marking the highest economic contribution from the sector in the region’s history.
Arturo Bernal, regional minister for tourism and foreign affairs of the Junta de Andalucía, expressed optimism for continued growth, projecting visitor numbers to exceed 37 million in 2025. He cited expanded airline partnerships and an aggressive push to develop air connectivity as critical factors behind this optimistic outlook.
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In 2024, Andalucía secured more than 30 new domestic and international routes, significantly increasing accessibility to the region. Notable new routes include Transavia’s service connecting Amsterdam to Granada, which commenced in September 2024, and Eurowings' planned route between Berlin and Jerez, beginning in late April.
“Our strategic cooperation with airlines and airports is critical," Bernal told Routes ahead of Routes Europe 2025, taking place in Seville, Spain. He highlighted impressive increases in seat capacity—particularly notable were a 54.1% jump in North American seat availability and a 15.3% rise in seats offered from European destinations.
Andalucía continues to pursue direct long-haul flights from prominent international markets, including New York, Miami, Dubai, Buenos Aires and Shanghai. Discussions are underway with major airlines, such as Air China, which is considering establishing direct flights to either Málaga or Seville by 2026.
The region's airports—Málaga, Sevilla, Jerez, Almería, Córdoba and Granada-Jaén—are coordinating closely through a newly formed Routes Committee, focused on sustainable growth and improving connectivity.
“These initiatives are part of Andalucía's broader strategy to diversify its tourism offerings and attract travelers from various international markets,” Bernal said. “By improving air connectivity, the region aims to boost tourism and strengthen its position as a leading European destination.”
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