by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 6:15 AM ET, Thu December 4, 2025
The Tourist Office of Spain in Canada gathered members of the travel industry in Toronto yesterday to highlight what it called an “exceptional year” for Canadian travel to Spain — and to preview what’s coming in 2026.
Isabel Martín Benítez, Director of The Tourist Office of Spain, said Canadian demand has not only rebounded but surpassed previous highs.
“As Canadian travellers continue to change their preferences and embrace new destinations, there’s no question that Spain’s mix of climate, history, cultural diversity, and gastronomy is creating greater connectivity between our two countries,” Martín Benítez said.
“2025 saw Canadians choose to stay 2 extra days (8 vs 6) in Spain compared to 2024, and arrival numbers in May and July of 2025 eclipsed even the peaks of 2024. As we look ahead to 2026, we see this momentum and friendship continuing to grow.”
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According to the Tourist Office, Spain posted the largest increase in tourist arrivals among major European destinations in the first five months of 2025. Officials credited Canadian travellers and new direct air service from WestJet and Air Transat, which expanded access through Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Halifax.
The agency also pointed to a busy year in Canada, citing press trips to Galicia, Andalucia, and Valencia; the success of the ACTA conference; and the Canadian debut of the sustainability-focused Spain Talks series.
Looking to 2026, Martín Benítez said Spain will work to strengthen its winter positioning and spotlight lesser-known regional experiences in the Canary Islands, Basque Country, and Galicia.
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More media collaborations and additional fam trips are planned, along with in-market activations tied to World Tapas Day, the Vancouver International Film Festival, and the Spain Tourism Summit in Montreal.
Three new direct routes are slated to launch in 2026:
- Montreal–Palma de Mallorca on Air Canada
- Halifax–Madrid on WestJet
- Toronto–Madrid on Iberia
The Tourist Office said it expects these additions to sustain ongoing growth in Canadian visitation.
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