The Madrid tourism sector maintains its growth momentum, reaching a total of 2,560,746 stays in May. This figure, published by the National Statistics Institute (INE), marks the fourteenth consecutive occasion of positive year-on-year results for the sector.
International tourism is solidifying its role as the primary driver for the region's hospitality industry. The influx of foreign guests grew by 4.8%, totaling 696,113 visits, which accounts for 56.49% of all travelers. Meanwhile, the domestic market showed a slight increase of 0.1%, with 536,225 Spanish residents staying in hotels.
This rise in hotel activity coincides with an increase in accommodation costs. The average daily room rate stood at 167.77 euros, a 2.1% rise compared to May of the previous year. This uptick in average spending has contributed to significant job growth in the sector, with 17,974 professionals employed in the community's hotels, a 5.6% increase from the prior year.
The Community of Madrid ranks among the top for hotel occupancy nationwide, with an average occupancy rate per bed of 63.83% in May. This places the region in a leading position, closely followed by coastal and seasonal destinations such as Balearic Islands (73.46%), Canary Islands (64.98%), and the Valencian Community (63.99%). Regions like Castilla-La Mancha (39.88%), Asturias (41.5%), and Extremadura (42.09%) reported the lowest hotel activity rates.
