Tourists to Spain increase in 2010

Tourists wondering where to spend their summer holidays may want to join the increasing number of people who are visiting Spain, according to new figures released by the Frontier Tourist Movement (Frontur).

The latest figures show that Spain welcomed 52.6 million tourists from across the globe in 2010, 12.5 million of whom were from the UK.

Frontur stated: "The forecasts for 2010 predicted a drop in tourism, but the sector has broken the forecast ... and ended the year with positive [numbers], and tourist arrivals have seen the first positive annual growth since 2007."

The statistics show that the UK is the largest tourist market for Spain and accounted for 23.6 per cent of the holidaymakers coming to the country during the year.

Catalonia proved to be the most popular destination and the area received over 13.1 million tourists.

The north eastern region of Catalonia banned bullfighting in the area in 2010.