While data can be challenging to separate Macau outbound tourism from Hong Kong due to agency closures, arrivals from mainland China to Spain in 2024 reached 647,801, up 66 percent from the previous year.

Spain’s cultural pull is evident in more than 1,500 museums, 3,500 theaters, and over 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites, with Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville hosting premier institutions and luxury Paradores Nacionales blending heritage with modern comfort.

A vast, 3,567-kilometer high-speed rail network boosts domestic travel and makes Spain more accessible to international visitors, complemented by roads, buses, regional trains, and affordable car rentals.

Spain is expanding flight connections, high-speed rail, and cultural experiences to position itself as a top European destination for Chinese and Macanese travelers, while signaling a sustainable growth path driven by stronger connectivity and cultural offerings.

The Tourism Agenda 2030 aims for a record influx of visitors with a targeted emphasis on Macau as a source of affluent travelers and family tourism, prioritizing sustainability and eco-friendly transport.

Direct China-Spain air connections have grown to 61 flights in 2026, almost twice the 2019 level, linking Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong with Madrid and Barcelona.

Competitive pricing, VAT refunds on purchases over 90 euros, and broad acceptance of digital payments such as Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, and major cards enhance the Chinese tourist experience alongside Spain’s renowned gastronomy and shopping.

The strategy targets record visitation by 2025 and explicitly highlights Macau as a key source of affluent travelers and family tourism, with a clear emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly transport.

At the 2026 China-Spain-Portugal Tourism Product Presentation in Macau, Spain’s Tourism Council underscored Macau’s role as a bridge for tourism, trade, and MICE between China, Spain, and Portugal.