Balearics welcome over 15.7 million international passengers in 2024

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

The Balearic Islands experienced a remarkable surge in international passenger arrivals in 2024, hosting 15,752,360 visitors—a 6.7% increase compared to 2023, as per data released by Turespaña, Spain’s official tourism board.

December alone recorded 245,791 international arrivals, reflecting an 8.4% year-on-year rise.

Of these international passengers, 11.1% traveled via low-cost airlines, marking a 6% increase from the previous year.

This upward trend underscores the region’s growing appeal and accessibility, with Mallorca’s revamped tourism brand, ‘Mallorca Our Home,’ playing a significant role in boosting visitor interest.

Tourism Growth Across Spain

At the national level, Spain welcomed over 105.6 million international air passengers in 2024, setting a new record with an 11.1% increase from 2023. Data from Aena, Spain’s airport operator, indicates that 86.1% of these passengers arrived from Europe, while 8.9% originated from the Americas. Asian markets saw the highest growth, with arrivals increasing by 22.8%.

The UK remained Spain’s largest source market, contributing nearly 23 million passengers in 2024—a 7.7% increase compared to 2023. In December, UK arrivals to Spain stood at 1.4 million, accounting for 19.2% of the total monthly inflow. The Canary Islands notably benefitted from this trend, welcoming nearly 26,000 additional passengers in December alone.

Germany was another significant market, with 14.6 million passengers arriving in Spain over the year, reflecting a 9.9% increase from 2023. December arrivals from Germany reached 0.9 million, representing 12.6% of the month’s total passenger volume.

Spotlight on the Balearic Islands

The Balearics’ strong performance in 2024 aligns with efforts to diversify its source markets, particularly the Americas. A Florida-based travel consultant is spearheading initiatives to promote Mallorcan culture and heritage in North America. Simultaneously, Palma has intensified its marketing efforts to attract U.S. travelers, resulting in a 15% increase in visitors from the United States.

This growth complements Spain’s broader push to expand its global tourism footprint. Initiatives like the Spanish Tourism Strategy 2030, led by the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Tourism, emphasize sustainability and innovation to enhance the sector’s long-term resilience.

A National and Regional Success

Spain’s tourism sector continues to thrive, contributing significantly to the national economy. According to INE (Spain’s National Statistics Institute), tourism was worth an estimated €52 billion in 2024, with international air passengers playing a critical role. The Balearics’ performance highlights the importance of regional strategies aligned with national goals, ensuring sustainable growth while preserving cultural and natural heritage.

As tourism from the U.S. and other non-European markets continues to grow, the Balearics and Spain as a whole are poised to benefit from increased global connectivity and diversified offerings.