According to Spain’s national tourism board, the number of Chinese visitors in the first three quarters of this year matched 2019 levels, setting Spain apart as a leading European destination.
Data from OTAs shows a surge in bookings for Spanish cities during China’s National Day holiday. For instance, Granada experienced a 260% increase in reservations, while Seville saw a 144% boost.
Chinese tourists are particularly active in luxury spending in Spain, favoring high-end fashion and jewelry, according to analysis by the "Tourism and Society Think Tank."
Industry observers attribute the resurgence of Chinese tourists to Spain to several factors, with enhanced connectivity and optimized visa policies being particularly crucial. In summer 2024, flight capacity between China and Spain increased by 38% compared to 2019 levels.
As of October 2024, carriers such as Air China, Shenzhen Airlines, Hainan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Capital Airlines, and Cathay Pacific have all launched direct flights to Spain.
Among these, Air China operates up to 42 round-trip flights per week on its Spain routes.
To make it more convenient for Chinese tourists to visit Spain, the two countries have introduced favorable adjustments to visa policies. Starting January 25, 2024, applicants from the Beijing consular district can submit their Spanish visa applications at visa centers in Beijing, Jinan, Wuhan, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shenyang without needing a prior appointment.
Mr. Eduardo Aznar, the Consul General of Spain in Guangzhou, highlighted that the consulate has consitently prioritized speed and flexibility in visa processing. For applicants with complete and valid documents, visa can be issued within 24 hours.
