British tourism generates €2 billion annually in Catalonia

British tourism has an economic impact of €2 billion a year in Catalonia, according to official data.

The United Kingdom is the third market with the highest spending in the region, behind the United States, with €3.3 billion, and France, with €2.9 billion.

In terms of visitor numbers, British tourists are the second-largest group, with 1.9 million visitors per year, surpassed only by France with 3.9 million.

To boost British tourism in Catalonia, the Catalan government is taking part in the World Travel Market in London, one of the leading international tourism fairs.

Jaume Baró, secretary of the Business Department, said the fair is an opportunity "to identify trends in other countries" as well as to help the companies present close commercial agreements.

"While the number of tourists from some countries is declining, British tourism continues to show a positive trend," Baró said.

Arantxa Calvera, director of the Catalan Tourism Agency, explained that taking part in fairs like this is essential to reach new audiences. She explained that while "the main target used to be families, the focus has increasingly shifted towards young couples."

A total of 22 Catalan companies and five regional tourism boards are participating under the Catalonia pavilion.

Calvera said Catalonia’s continued presence at the fair "has become consolidated" and demonstrates the positive results it brings.

One of the main destinations for British visitors is the Costa Daurada, on the southern coast of Catalonia.

Octavi Bono, director of the Tarragona tourism board explained that tourism in the area is highly diversified.

"There are as many visitors looking for sun and beaches as there are those who come for birdwatching," he said.

In this regard, he pointed out that beyond family tourism, the region also offers hiking, mushroom foraging, birdwatching, guided tours about the Civil War, and other visits.