Madrid consolida su posición como destino internacional en febrero

Turistas del alcalde de Plaza de Madrid. Archivo fotográfica

Madrid continues to demonstrate its power as an international tourist destination in February, according to data published by the National Statistics Institute (NE). In the last month, 379,430 international travelers, 0.7% more than a year ago, representing 51.3% of the total of 739,938 visitors received, with a 3.1% decrease compared to the same month the previous year, stayed in the capital. In the cumulative calculation of the last twelve months, travelers show an increase of 4.5%, compared to the 7.8% of international tourists, compared to the 0.7% recurrence.

Regarding origins, the capital welcomed 1,485,831 travelers, 1.8% less than in February 2024. By origin, 878,232 of international visitors stand out, representing a 1.6% increase, which accounts for 59.1% of the total.

The CEO of tourism, Almudena Maíllo, said, «These data confirm that Madrid is a very attractive destination for international travelers,» emphasizing that «the capital continues to focus on long-haul tourism and the diversification of international markets, attracting new tourists, like January.»

Boosting international tourism

Among the international markets that have grown the most in February, Latin American and European markets stand out. From the former, Argentina increased by 28% and Brazil by 17.6%. In Europe, the Netherlands stand out with an increase of 38.8%. Japan was the most prominent market among Asians, with an increase of 17.2%.

The United States continues to be the leading international market with 46,530 travelers (-2.4% as in the same month of 2024); followed by Italy, with 33,120 (+8.8%); the United Kingdom, with 23,568 (+10.9%); France, 25,177 (-1.5%) and Germany, with 16,831 (+4.5%).

In overnight stays, the United States remains the leading international market issuing 113,217 hotel stays in the city (-2.9%), followed by Italy, with 79,089 (+6.7%); France, with 57,135 (+0.3%) and the United Kingdom, with 52,628 (+9%).

Hotel sector, job generator

Madrid had 843 open hotel units in February, 90 less than in the same month of 2024, while available rooms remained stable, totaling 92,144. The occupancy rate in places was 57% and rooms, 69.6%.

Employment in the sector continues to grow, with 14,098 people working in hotels in the city, 8.4% more than in February of the previous year. «Tourism continues to demonstrate its ability to create jobs and stimulate Madrid’s economy,» emphasized Maíllo.