Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit to Spain is expected to generate between €90 million and €125 million in economic impact, boosting tourism across Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands. With millions of attendees anticipated, the papal visit is driving hotel demand, visitor spending, and global visibility for Spain’s tourism sector.
Madrid – The economic Impact of the papal visit could range from €90 million to €125 million, with Madrid alone projected to generate €73.8 million from June 6–9.
The upcoming pastoral visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Spain is expected to deliver a significant economic and tourism boost to Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands, reaffirming the powerful role major religious events can play in supporting local communities, businesses, and destination visibility.
According to ObservaTUR, Spain’s leading outbound tourism monitoring and research platform, the total economic impact of the papal visit could range from €90 million to €125 millionunderscoring the scale of the opportunity for the country’s tourism sector.
At the city level, tourism intelligence firm Data Appeal Mabrian estimates that Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Madrid between June 6 and June 9 could generate approximately €73.8 million (US$86 million) in additional tourism spending, driven by an estimated 1.8 million attendees participating in various events.
Food and beverage services are expected to account for the largest share of visitor spending, representing 78% of the total impact (€57.3 million). Transportation is projected to contribute €12 millionwhile accommodation spending is expected to reach €4.5 milliondemonstrating the broad distribution of economic benefits throughout the tourism ecosystem.
Current booking trends also indicate increased tourism activity during the Pope’s visit. According to Data Appeal Mabrian, which analyzed data from online travel agencies, the average hotel rate in Madrid for the weekend of June 5–7, 2026, is €298 per nightup 4.5% from the same weekend last year.
Independent data from STR indicate that hotel occupancy in Madrid for the June 6–8 period is currently running between two and four percentage points higher than on comparable dates in 2025. Meanwhile, the Madrid Hotel Business Association (AEHM) projects average occupancy rates of approximately 82% during the Pope’s stay, with a peak of more than 87% on Saturday, June 6.
Barcelona is also experiencing increased demand ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit from June 9–10, with hotel occupancy currently exceeding comparable 2025 levels by four to seven percentage pointsaccording to STR.
Historical Papal Visits Demonstrate Lasting Tourism Benefits
Previous papal visits to Spain and other destinations have delivered similarly strong economic results.
Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Barcelona in 2010 generated an estimated €29.8 million in economic impact for the city, according to data from Barcelona City Council cited by ObservaTUR. The figure included €25.2 million in direct visitor spending on accommodation, dining, transportation, and retail, in addition to substantial destination branding and reputational value.
Likewise, World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, attended by Pope Benedict XVI, generated €207.2 million in direct attendee spendingwhile overnight stays in the Spanish capital increased by 29% during the event. Follow-up surveys found that 90% of international pilgrims intended to return to Spainunderscoring the long-term tourism legacy such gatherings can create.
Globally, papal visits have also proven to be powerful economic drivers. During Pope Francis’ visit to Bogotá in 2017, authorities estimated that more than 600,000 visitors attended an open-air mass, generating over US$61 million for the local economy.
These findings and historical examples highlight the enduring economic value of papal visits and religious tourism. Such events not only attract domestic and international travelers and support local businesses, but also enhance a destination’s global reputation, encourage repeat visitation, and showcase cultural heritage to international audiences.
WTTC: A Global Showcase for Spain
Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), said:
“Major religious tourism events, such as papal visits, clearly demonstrate the powerful ability of Travel & Tourism to generate immediate economic impact while creating long-term value for destinations. Beyond the significant boost to local businesses, employment, and visitor spending, these moments place destinations on the global stage, strengthen their international profile, and stimulate future demand.
Spain is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this visit and showcase not only its rich cultural and religious heritage, but also the strength, resilience, and diversity of its tourism offering.”
The visit of Pope Leo XIV is expected to reinforce Spain’s position as one of the world’s leading cultural and religious tourism destinations, delivering immediate economic gains while strengthening its long-term appeal among international travelers.
About the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global private sector of Travel & Tourism and is the leading authority on the sector’s economic and social contribution worldwide. Its members include chairpersons, presidents, and chief executives of the world’s leading travel and tourism companies, spanning hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, technology platforms, and destinations across all major regions.
WTTC works to promote sustainable growth across the Travel & Tourism sector by fostering collaboration between industry leaders and governments, shaping global policy, and providing authoritative research on the economic impact of travel and tourism worldwide.