Madrid's Growing Appeal to Indian Tourists: A 7-Star Destination

Indian Travelers Flock to Madrid: The Community of Madrid welcomed an impressive 57,435 visitors from India in 2023, marking a 73% surge compared to 2022 and an 18% increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Madrid continues to charm Indian tourists with its three most sought-after attributes: cultural richness, sustainability, and safety.

MADRID 7-STAR DESTINATION: Madrid is fashionable all over the world, and particularly among Indian tourists, who grew by 73% in 2023. The figure is also 18% higher than that of the last pre-pandemic metric, that of 2019. In total, 67,435 Indian tourists out of the almost 250,000 who chose the Community of Madrid. The reason is that Madrid has an offer that is especially attractive for Indian visitors, who see their main motivations for visiting us satisfied: culture, sustainability and the safety of the destination. Indian tourists have a high cultural level and like to travel with their families to safe destinations.

Record-Breaking Year for Madrid Tourism: Globally, 7.8 million visitors explored Madrid in 2023—a remarkable 30% growth from 2022, accompanied by a 40% surge in visitor spending. Indian tourists played a vital role in this growth, demonstrating their increasing preference for Madrid's vibrant offerings.

What Draws Indian Tourists to Madrid?
Indian travelers are known for their affinity for family-friendly and culturally immersive destinations. Madrid ticks all the right boxes with its focus on gastronomy, luxury shopping, art, and MICE travel. For upper-middle-class Indian tourists, the city’s blend of urban sophistication and high-end shopping options further enhances its allure.

Economic Impact and Visitor Trends: Indian tourists spent an average of €2,430 per person in Spain, with daily expenditures of €408 and an average stay of six days. In total, their spending in Spain reached €584.8 million in 2023—67% more than in 2022 and 48% more than in 2019. Oxford Economics projects continued growth, with Indian tourist spending expected to rise by 13.6% in 2024 and 12.5% in 2025.

Key Factors Behind Madrid's Popularity:

• Direct Flight Connectivity: The launch of commercial flights from India in March 2022 has significantly facilitated travel.
• Streamlined Visa Process: Simplified visa procedures since 2020 have made it easier for Indian travelers to plan their visits.
• Bollywood Influence: The lasting impact of the 2011 Bollywood film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, which was shot in Spain, continues to draw Indian tourists.

Looking Ahead: Provisional figures for 2024 indicate sustained growth in tourism from India. Madrid's unique offerings and its deepening connection with Indian travelers ensure that this upward trajectory will continue, further solidifying its position as a global travel hotspot.