Santiago de Compostela is experiencing a strong influx of tourists in August 2024, consolidating its position as one of Spain’s most sought-after destinations. This growth reflects the positive trend observed since May, with a notable increase in both visitors and overnight stays. According to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), this month stands out for the significant presence of international tourists, who have contributed to the city’s economic dynamism.
This rise in tourist numbers is evident in the daily queues to enter the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, one of the main attractions. The growing popularity of the site has led authorities to enhance crowd management measures and improve the visitor experience. The increase is largely driven by international tourists, who in May already showed a 20.83% growth compared to the same month in 2023.
In contrast to the strong performance in August, July was described as modest by the tourism sector. While there was a slight increase in the number of international visitors, compensating for the lower influx of tourists from other parts of Spain, the growth was more symbolic than significant. Santiago welcomed 101,524 visitors in July 2024, just 733 more than in the same month of 2023. Spanish tourists decreased by nearly 3,000, while international visitors increased by approximately 4,000.
Even so, the impact on overnight stays was minor. The average stay remained at 1.7 nights per person, and despite the higher number of visitors, the total number of overnight stays decreased slightly, from 175,905 in July 2023 to 173,654 in July 2024.
This contrast between July and August highlights the seasonality and differing dynamics of the city’s tourism. With the growing number of international tourists choosing Santiago as their destination, authorities continue to implement measures to manage visitor flows and ensure a positive experience for both tourists and residents.
