Travelers planning a getaway to Spain this winter may be in for a surprise at check-in. According to new data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), hotel prices across Spain saw an 8% increase in November compared to the same month last year. This marks a significant jump, making hotel stays noticeably costlier for both domestic and international visitors.
The rise in accommodation prices wasn’t limited to hotels alone. Campsites and hostels reported a 4.4% rise in prices, while international tourist packages increased by 3.2%. Even sea passenger transport saw a 1% uptick compared to last year. Meanwhile, those traveling within Spain by air or booking domestic tourist packages also experienced modest price hikes of 1% and 0.6%, respectively.
However, it’s not all bad news for travelers. International flights departing from Spain became 5.3% cheaper in November, providing some relief for those heading abroad. Domestic flights also saw a decrease in cost this year, with fares down by 3.5%. In fact, from January to November, international flights dropped by 2.3%.
When looking at the bigger picture for 2023, Spanish hotels have led the way in price increases, averaging 14.1% higher between January and November compared to last year. Campsites and hostels followed with an overall 4.4% rise. By contrast, national tourist packages experienced a significant price reduction of 16.4%, while international packages dropped 9.7%.
These trends come as Spain’s overall consumer price index (CPI) saw a slight reduction in its year-on-year rate in November, dropping to 3%. This moderation, largely thanks to falling electricity prices, breaks a two-month streak of rising inflation.
For travelers, these numbers highlight the importance of planning and research, as fluctuations in accommodation and transport prices can impact the total cost of a trip to Spain. While hotels may be pricier, savvy tourists may find savings in flight deals and package holidays.
