Paris, Barcelona, Venice overwhelmed as tourism increases over prepandemic levels
Briefly

Global travel is nearing pre-pandemic levels, with international tourist arrivals reaching 99% of those figures in 2024. A 5% increase in arrivals was noted in early 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The rise in travel is attributed to 'revenge travel', as individuals fulfill postponed trips. Spain, specifically, welcomed 94 million foreign visitors in 2024, causing a 23% increase in hotel prices and displacing local tourists from popular destinations. Protesters in Barcelona exemplify local resistance to the overwhelming tourist presence.
In 2024, international tourist arrivals reached 99% of prepandemic levels, marking a significant rebound in global travel. The ongoing surge reflects a trend of 'revenge travel' as travelers seek to fulfill their long-awaited trips, causing many popular destinations to experience overwhelming tourist influxes.
Spain faced particular challenges with its tourism, welcoming around 94 million foreign visitors, significantly surpassing its population. This influx raised hotel prices by 23% over three years, pushing locals and domestic tourists to seek more affordable vacation options inland.
Read at Fortune
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