This summer The tourism still recovering at a good pace . This is confirmed by the latest Confidence Index of the World Tourism Organization, which also forecasts a growth in arrival of international tourists, although not yet reaching the levels of 2019. But, where do foreigners who choose Spain as their summer vacation destination plan to travel? The answer to this and other questions can be found in a study carried out by Visa, together with the Payment Innovation Hub, in which the opinion of 1,500 tourists from the three main issuing countries of travelers to our country: France, the United Kingdom and the United States.
French, British and American travelers they are clear about their favorite Spanish destinations: Catalonia, Madrid and the Balearic or Canary Islands. Also that they will not stay still in one place, since they intend to visit different parts of the country.
Calella de Palafrugell, on the Costa Brava.
CATALONIA
Catalonia is positioned as the destination most chosen by the French, who, given the greater geographical proximity they will arrive in our country by car (This has been indicated by 58%). The Dalinian Triangle will be waiting for them there, to satisfy their desire for art and culture, exceptional monuments such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the infarct beaches of the Costa Brava, in which to spread out when they want to disconnect.
According to the Visa study, during their stay, respondents will use the card, whether physical (with or without contactless) or virtual (wallets or digitized) as the main payment method, especially in restaurants (73%). And in Catalonia there are for all tastes, Many with a Michelin star (49 specifically), but also countless bars, traditional food houses and beach bars where you can try their “sea and mountain” cuisine.
Gran Via, Madrid.
MADRID
More than half of Americans have leaned towards Madrid as their favorite place in Spain, and we are not surprised, because the city is on fire. Its cultural life is rich and varied, practically every day a restaurant opens in one of its most traditional neighborhoods and its museums and art galleries are among the best in the world.
70% of the study participants state that they intend to pay digitally in department stores (70%), and Madrid is a paradise for shopping lovers.
Cala Portals Vells, in Majorca.
BALEARIC AND CANARY ISLANDS
Although to enjoy the trip, tourists will prefer cultural visits (54%), beach leisure (43%) and natural spaces (42%) they are also high on their list of priorities. Hence the Balearic and Canary Islands are the other two favorite Spanish destinations of international tourists, since it is possible to stay in their seafront hotels without the need to leave your premises at all, but there is also the possibility of rent a car and go to explore the islands From north to south to discover its incredible landscapes.
The results of the Visa study also consolidate the importance and attractiveness of Spain in the tourism sector, highlighting that 80% of those surveyed had previously visited the national territory, especially in the case of France (89%) and the United Kingdom (90%). In addition, English (62%) and French (65%) tourists choose to have stays of less than a week, while 45% of Americans surveyed favor a longer duration.
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