Tourists from Middle East flocking to Spanish tourist hotspot popular with Brits

Marbella is seeing a surge in visitors from the Middle East (Image: Getty)

A popular Spanish city full of Brits is experiencing a surge of rich visitors from the Middle East who appear to be making the hotspot their premier getaway this summer. Marbella, widely renowned as being a playground for the wealthy, is drawing 10% more tourists from this region compared to last year.

As the luxury tourism capital of southern Spain, Marbella has long attracted the rich and famous with its high-end amenities and upscale establishments, five star hotels and irresistible Mediterranean charm. Despite uncertainty lingering due to geopolitical tensions and airspace disruptions in the Middle East, predictions for high-net-worth guests from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are high for the peak summer season of July and August.

Marbella is widely renowned as being a playground for the wealthy (Image: Getty)

Middle East travelers will account for around 25–30% of total summer occupancy in upscale properties.

The main source markets are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is operating five direct air routes to key destinations in the Middle East for the summer of 2025 boosting the number of visitors.  

Visitors from these areas often travel in large family groups, typically reserving top-tier suites or entire floors.

Marbella City Council Tourism Director Laura de Arce told Malaga Hoy that Marbella remains a “top destination” for this market, and is “their first destination when they come on vacation,” followed by Spain’s capital Madrid and the bustling city of Barcelona.

Ms De Arce says Middle Eastern tourists have been flocking to the city since the beginning of May.

Don Pepe Gran Meliá hotel chain director Noelia Castillo believes Middle Eastern visitors are now the “second largest nationality” staying, with guests specifically from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Puerto Banús is particularly popular with Middle Eastern visitors (Image: Getty)

Although Brits and Spanish continue to have a stronghold on the demographic of tourists arriving, Middle-Eastern tourists have a massive impact on the local economy by significantly spending more.

Due to the rising demand, premium hotels are adjusting their offerings to accommodate and entice visitors from the Middle East.

Consequently the influx is boosting hotel prices, average daily rates in the luxury hospitality sector have surpassed £1.7k (€2k) per night.

Puerto Banús, a luxurious marina with high end shops and high-end restaurants is the resort of choice for this clientale. 

Post-pandemic trends reveal a near doubling of luxury spending in the area compared to 2019, with a 195% surge recorded among Middle Eastern visitors.