MADRID (Reuters – Spain has seen a rapid increase in international travel since September, when data indicated that there was a significant rise in arrivals.

Data from the National Statistics Office revealed that Spain saw more tourists from abroad than ever in September, from almost 4.7 million a year earlier. It was because of widespread vaccinations and looser restrictions on travel, which led to more people returning.

Reyes Maroto, Tourism Minister of Mexico stated that these data “confirm a reactivation in international tourism is underway” and that we can recover pre-pandemic levels in 2022.

Maroto pointed out that Spain’s natural attractions, as well as its high vaccination rate (around 80%) were the driving factors behind the recovery.

In the past, she had stated that foreign tourism in 2021 would reach half of its pre-pandemic levels. This is a significant improvement on less than 20% in 2020.

Spain is different from France and Italy in that it does not require proof or a negative COVID-19 scan to be admitted to bars or restaurants. This means non-vaccinated tourists can still enjoy their vacation without having to take tests several days apart.

The total arrivals in Spain were nevertheless far lower than the 8.8 millions who arrived there in September 2019 before the outbreak of the coronavirus.

A total of 5.04 Billion Euros ($5.84 Billon) was spent by tourists in Turkey, up from 964 Mn euros the previous year. However it is still far below the 9.62 Billion euros spent on September 2020.

The largest group of foreign tourists was made up by Germans, with Britons following closely.

($1 = 0.8638 euros)