Tourism brought €124 billion to Spain’s economy last year

SUN, sea and sangria is still a bestseller, with tourism pouring €124 billion into the Spanish economy last year.

And the largest contributor to Spain’s GDP also creates the most employment, representing one in seven jobs last year – a total of 73,343 posts – 5.5% up on the previous year.

Tourism grew by 3.7% in 2015 but transfer company Exeltur forecasts only 2.7% growth in 2016 if the unstable political situation continues.

However companies are positive, with 84.7% of firms confirming their sales improved last year.

“2015 was a great year, with every single autonomous community and destination improving its figures,” said Exeltur’s Vice-President, Jose Luis Zoreda.