Foreign tourists leave record-breaking 12.5 billion euros in Catalonia through Sept.

• Foreign tourists visiting Catalonia spend on average 121 euros per day, up 2.7% from 2014
• Between January and September, Catalonia has welcomed 13.9 million foreign tourists

Between January and September, foreign tourists left more than 12.5 billion euros in Catalonia, up 2.4% from the same period in 2014. The data shows a boost in consumer confidence, with increased total spending, average daily spending and revenue in non-peak seasons. All data is from the Catalan Tourist Board.

The French, British and North-American markets have contributed to this increase. Likewise, daily spending per visitor is at 121 euros, up 2.7% from last year. When broken down, between January and September, spending is up on accommodations (+10.2%), transport (+9.9%), food (+2.9%) and day trips (+1.3%).

Moreover, it must be noted that Barcelona has consolidated its position as the number one cruise port in Europe and the Mediterranean, welcoming 1.9 million cruise passengers as of September, up 5.3% from the same period in 2014.

Cruises that dock in Barcelona have a daily impact of 2.2 million euros
The Port of Barcelona and University of Barcelona have compiled a report on the economic impact of cruise shops docking in the city. The report concluded that cruise ships generate direct and indirect spending of nearly 800 million euros per year, meaning more than 2.2 million per day, 70% in the city itself.

This study, which is a pioneer in Europe, points out that direct spending (442 million) corresponds to shipping lines, cruise passengers and crews, while indirect spending (353 million), to their providers, like for example acquiring hotels. The report also shows that cruises act as a catalyst, as nearly 80% of passengers arrive by plane. This means new and continued intercontinental flights.