From the tourist point of view, Madrid closed 2018 with its historic record of both overnight stays (19.7 million) and hotel occupancy (76.8%), while Barcelona falls for the first time in 8 years due to slack demand in the first 9 months of 2018. The uptick in tourism in the last quarter suggests that the situation is returning to normal.
The hotel supply in Madrid is adapting to the increase in demand, with noteworthy refurbishments and openings,especially in the luxury sector, and the entry of major international brands. On the other side, Barcelona center witnessed the decrease in overnight stays of the national and luxury customer, while the international one remained strong overcoming the barrier of 20 million overnight stays.
The tourism sector faces 2019 with certain uncertainties derived from the possible changes of state and municipal government that can alter the strategies and regulation of the sector.
The hotel supply in Madrid is adapting to the increase in demand, with noteworthy refurbishments and openings,especially in the luxury sector, and the entry of major international brands. On the other side, Barcelona center witnessed the decrease in overnight stays of the national and luxury customer, while the international one remained strong overcoming the barrier of 20 million overnight stays.
The tourism sector faces 2019 with certain uncertainties derived from the possible changes of state and municipal government that can alter the strategies and regulation of the sector.
