Murcia shatters international tourism records in early 2026

Tourists are staying longer and spending more time in the Region during the first two months of 2026

Tourist numbers are getting better and better in the Region of Murcia as more people discover this corner of Spain. The Region has seen a strong start to 2026 for international tourism. In February, 65,944 visitors from abroad arrived in the region, up 6.9% compared with February 2025. This increase is well above the national average, which rose by 2.8% over the same period.

Visitors are also spending more while they are here. In February, total spending by international tourists reached €88.1 million, a 7.7% increase on the same month last year. On average, each visitor spent about €158.77 per day, almost 40% higher than in February 2025. The average stay was 8.42 days, compared with 7.31 days nationally.

Looking at the first two months of 2026 together, Murcia welcomed 128,392 international visitors. Almost half, 56,907, stayed in official tourist accommodation such as hotels or regulated apartments. Over January and February, the average stay was 12.49 days, again well above the national average of 7.88 days, and total spending reached €187.9 million, a 9.9% increase compared with the same period in 2025.

Visitors come from across Europe with the UK accounting for 37,890 visitors, nearly 30% of the total. France sent 19,954 visitors, up 17.4% on 2025, while the Netherlands contributed 11,227 visitors, a 47.8% increase. Germany brought 10,400 tourists, and Italy 9,047, more than four times the number from the same period last year. Belgium and Ireland had 8,736 and 7,882 visitors respectively, with the number of Irish tourists doubling compared with 2025.

These figures show that international tourists are not only arriving in higher numbers but are also staying longer and spending more. Between the beaches, the Mar Menor lagoon, historic towns, countryside landscapes and cultural attractions, visitors are making the most of their time in the Region.

Read also: Corvera Airport gets set for a busy summer with flights to 20 destinations

Image: CARM