Phocuswright, the world's leading authority on tourism industry research, anticipates strong attendance at its upcoming Phocuswright Europe conference in Barcelona. This data is based on the news that Spain is experiencing one of the largest year-on-year booking increases of all major European tourism markets, according to a Phocuswright study to be published later this month.
The triumph of tourism in Spain: a magnet for travelers and events
Recent data from Turespaña also reveals a boom in Spanish inbound travel, with a record 85 million international visitors in 2023. These visitors not only flocked to iconic destinations like Barcelona, but also spent more on average, with tourists from the United Kingdom, France and Germany leading this trend. It should be noted that travel bookings in Spain increased by 36% to reach €34.6 billion in 2023, the highest year-on-year growth in all of Europe.
"Rapid and powerful advances in technology and AI are changing every aspect of the travel industry, from the inner workings of companies to the way European consumers, coming from a wide range of rich cultures, experience travel. world," says Eugene Ko, director of marketing and communications at Phocuswright. "At the same time, Spain's enduring popularity as a global destination for both business and leisure is undeniable. Record visitor numbers show a thriving travel hub brimming with cultural exchanges, making it the perfect backdrop for an international event. focused on travel as Phocuswright Europe. We look forward to a dynamic and stimulating conference addressing the latest trends shaping travel, fueled by the energy of this vibrant tourism market."
Beyond Spain: Trends shaping the European travel landscape
Phocuswright Europe 2024 promises to be a pivotal event for travel industry leaders across Europe, offering unparalleled insights and networking opportunities against the dynamic backdrop of Spain's travel boom.
Various subtrends are fueling the travel boom in Spain, as well as the way people travel throughout Europe. For example, increased competition in the rail market is driving demand in Spain and beyond, with significant growth in train bookings. And online travel agencies (OTAs) saw bookings surge in 2023, driven by the resurgence of the hotel market, meaning OTA revenue is forecast to rise further in 2024.
The Phocuswright Europe conference will delve into some of the key trends impacting the European travel industry:
Artificial Intelligence - A couple of years into the generative artificial intelligence boom, has AI improved the travel buying and selling experience?
The growth of rail - European rail transport is transforming despite the great challenges and obstacles that stand in the way. Veteran operators and startups alike will discuss how innovation and sustainability have come together to remake this five-century-old travel segment.
The Evolution of Business Travel – Driven by advancements in AI and the imperative to balance profitability with traveler well-being and purposeful travel, the business travel landscape continues to evolve.