Barcelona, the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is famed for its distinctive architecture, rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. In 2024, Catalonia outpaced the national economy with a 3.6% growth in GDP (compared to Spain’s 3.2%) with tourism remaining a key driver, contributing around 14.0% of Barcelona’s GDP.

Interest in summer travel to Europe has decreased among key long-haul markets, with rising costs and global tensions influencing decisions. However, China shows a significant increase in travel intent.

The latest findings from the European Travel Commission’s Long-Haul Travel Barometer (LHTB 2/2025) show a slight decline in the overall intention to travel overseas during the summer of 2025, with a 1% drop compared to the previous year.

Specifically, the desire to visit Europe has fallen from 41% in 2024 to 39% in 2025. This change is most pronounced in the United States, Brazil, Canada, and Japan, which have all seen a decrease in travel interest towards Europe. Conversely, China has experienced a robust increase in travel intent to Europe, with 72% of respondents indicating plans to visit, up 10% from last year.

Kimpton, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, opens Kimpton Atlântico Algarve, the brand’s first resort in Portugal and a chic new gem in its ever-growing global collection. Perched on the golden sands of São Rafael Beach, Kimpton Atlântico Algarve blends the brand’s bold, design-led identity with the relaxed spirit of southern Portugal. The resort delivers a refined take on local luxury through elevated dining, wellness and curated experiences. Just a stone’s throw away, the vibrant town of Albufeira, known for its golden beaches, lively nightlife and charming Old Town, also awaits guests.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the completed acquisition of Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. (NASDAQ: PLYA), a leading owner, operator, and developer of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.