Tourism Statistics in Galicia 2024
Table of Contents
Tourism Statistics in Galicia 2024: Overview
Tourism in Galicia has reached record numbers in 2024. By October, more than 12.4 million overnight stays were recorded, marking a 1.4% growth compared to 2023. This increase was driven by a rise in international visitors, who accounted for 31% of the total, with nearly 3.9 million overnight stays. Additionally, rural tourism and hotel accommodations experienced significant growth. In total, the Tourism Statistics in Galicia 2024 will end up calculating more than 13 million overnight stays across the entire region.
Regarding the tourism strategy, the community of Galicia It focuses on promoting sustainability and the internationalization of the sector as part of its 2024-2030 plan. The aim is to consolidate the Galician tourism model through organized planning, with a focus on attracting more foreign tourists and enhancing coexistence with local communities.
Galicia Travels products
-
Ribeira Sacra with boat
Price range: 35,00€ through 65,00€ Select date(s) This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Rias Baixas Excursion
Price range: 30,00€ through 55,00€ Select date(s) This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Playa de Catedrales – Mariña Lucense – Asturias
Price range: 35,00€ through 60,00€ Select date(s) This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Sale!
Finisterre, Muxía, Costa da Morte
Price range: 20,00€ through 49,00€ Select date(s) This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Santiago de Compostela
According to the Tourism Statistics in Galicia 2024, Santiago de Compostela has maintained its relevance as a tourist destination, partly thanks to the appeal of the Camino de Santiago and its cultural and religious significance. During the first months of the year, there was a significant increase in the number of pilgrims and international visitors. For example, in May, more than 108,000 tourists arrived (over 72,000 compostelas), marking a 7.5% growth compared to the same month in 2023.
Additionally, the statistics from the Pilgrim Reception Office highlight that nearly half a million pilgrims completed the Camino in 2024 (exactly 499,241), representing a 12% increase compared to the previous year. This flow includes both national and international visitors, with a growing percentage of foreigners.
Santiago also remains a benchmark in sustainable tourism and the organization of cultural events, consolidating itself as a preferred destination not only for pilgrims but also for tourists interested in its historical and gastronomic heritage.
Finisterre
Finisterre It remains an important tourist destination within the Galician region, thanks to its natural and cultural wealth. Among the most notable places for visitors are the Finisterre Lighthouse, considered the ‘end of the world’ by ancient cultures, and the Ézaro Waterfall, which is the only one in continental Europe that flows directly into the sea. These sites are part of the popular routes towards the Costa da Morte from Santiago de Compostela.
In addition, the town of Finisterre it is a popular place to enjoy the local cuisine and explore the fishing port. Activities related to the Camino de Santiago are also prominent, as many pilgrims continue to this point after reaching Santiago, walking the final stretch towards the ‘Km 0’ of the Camino.
Also read: What to see in Finisterre
Rías Baixas
The Rías Baixas continue to be one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Galicia, leading the regional statistics. In September, this destination experienced a 16% increase in the number of visitors compared to the same month of the previous year, reaching 222,228 tourists. This volume represented 35% of all visitors to Galicia. The majority of tourists were national (59%), although international tourism grew by almost 30%, with notable visitors from Germany, the United States, and Portugal.
Hotel occupancy in the area also showed a 3% growth compared to 2023, with an average stay of 2.1 days. Among the most visited sites are the Sobroso and Soutomaior castles and the tourist office at the Palacete das Mendoza, which welcomed nearly 1,000 visitors in October.
Lugo
This year, the province of Lugo stood out for sustained growth in the tourism sector. During the summer, it received over 39,000 tourists, a record for the region. The city of Lugo leads in visits, driven by its Roman heritage, such as the Lugo Wall, and iconic events like San Froilán. the Tourism Statistics in Galicia 2024 record 19,374 visitors in the municipal tourist facilities of Lugo in July alone, almost a thousand more than in the same period of 2023.
Additionally, rural and natural accommodations, such as the Ribeira Sacra, had notable occupancy, attracting both national and international tourists interested in its scenic and cultural wealth.
Ribeira Sacra
The Ribeira Sacra It has experienced a notable increase in its tourism activity. During the first nine months of the year, the region received over 130,000 tourists in hotel accommodations, representing a 20% growth compared to the same period the previous year. In July and August alone, more than 121,000 tourists were recorded, reflecting a significant increase in the area.
Additionally, nearly 242,000 overnight stays were recorded, reaching a historic high in this metric. This growth has also boosted hotel profitability by 5%.
The destination of Ribeira Sacra and Cañón do Sil It continues to consolidate as one of the main tourist destinations in Galicia, supported by significant investments focused on sustainability, with more than 5 million euros allocated to the restoration of heritage, improvement of pathways and viewpoints, and the promotion of sustainable mobility. This strategy aims not only to attract more visitors but also to improve the local economy and retain the population in the area.
Future prediction
Tourism in Galicia in 2025 will focus on consolidating the sustainable model that has generated positive results in recent years. The projections highlight the following key points:
-
Sustainability and Renewal: the Galicia Tourism Strategy 2024-2030 prioritizes sustainable tourism, respectful of local communities, cultural heritage, and the environment. It will also promote the renewal of tourist infrastructures, especially in spa and rural destinations.”
-
Internationalization and Diversification
: The aim is to attract more international tourists, who represented 20% of the total in 2023. Promotion will be strengthened in key international markets such as the United States and Asia, in addition to participation in global events like Expo 2025 in Osaka.
-
Investment and Modernization
: The tourism budget for 2025 will include 146 million euros, allocated to digitalization, professional training, and grants to modernize the tourism offer. The capabilities of small tourist municipalities will also be enhanced.
-
Camino de Santiago and Año Xacobeo: Efforts will continue to improve the Jacobean routes and plan events for the Xacobeo 2027, consolidating its role as a driving force for tourism attraction in Galicia.
Galicia seeks to strengthen a diversified, high-quality tourism model aligned with the principles of sustainability and innovation to consolidate its global appeal, continuing the consolidation of destinations that are still in progress. It aims to attract tourists from different parts of the world while maintaining a sustainable tourism framework that does not interfere with the local population.
Today, the community has leading companies with vast experience in this sector. Agencies like Galicia Travels, for example, offer a wide range of activities from Santiago de Compostela, including trips and experiences for all kinds of people, with the aim of showcasing this beautiful region of Spain to anyone who wants to discover it. Without a doubt, it’s a great opportunity to visit one of the most magical and unknown lands in the country.”