British tourism generated €2.1 billion in Catalonia in 2025

British tourism had an economic impact of €2.131 billion in Catalonia in 2025, up 5.1% from the previous year, according to data the Catalan Tourist Board gave Catalan News Agency (ACN) during the World Travel Market, which runs this week in London. 

The United Kingdom is the second-largest international source market for tourists visiting Catalonia, behind only France, with more than 1.85 million British visitors in 2025. 

Last year's figures also show that average spending per person per trip among British tourists rose 6.9%. The UK ranks as the third-largest market for total tourism spending in Catalonia, after the United States and France.

At this year's World Travel Market, the Catalan Tourist Board set a goal to boost interest among British travelers in experiences centered on Catalan culture and heritage.

Some 25 Catalan tourism companies and organizations from across Catalonia are taking part, aiming to strengthen their commercial ties with the British market.

The government agency wants Catalonia's cultural appeal to play an increasingly significant role in the "travel motivations" of British tourists. 

The ultimate objective is to attract visitors who are "interested in discovering Catalonia's cultural diversity, exploring new areas, and traveling at different times of the year." 

This aligns with the board's goal of promoting the geographical and seasonal diversification of tourism.

"Our promotional strategy is not based on attracting a higher volume of tourists, but rather on selecting more conscious travelers," Arantxa Calvera said, the agency's director. "We want British visitors who take an interest in our traditions, our heritage, and our way of life."

"Culture is present throughout [Catalonia] and all year round," she said. "It offers us a great opportunity to attract more conscious tourists, visitors who connect with the destination and help generate value and well-being for the local residents."