AGP Executive Report

Storm Disruption: Storm Adam brought deadly flooding to eastern Spain, with at least four deaths, evacuations and major travel disruption. Ibiza airport was forced to close, and Valencia rail services were suspended; check local alerts before travelling. Payments: A Revolut outage on Tuesday left some tourists and residents across Spain unable to access the app or pay by card, causing problems at shops and cafés. Hidden Spain: Travel writer Colleen Sims names Mérida, in Extremadura, as the Spanish city she keeps returning to, praising its Roman ruins and quieter, small-town feel. Canary Islands Flights: Campaigners plan demonstrations in Madrid and Barcelona on October 31, calling for more affordable flights between the islands and mainland Spain, especially during holidays. Unusual Stay: Spain is building a reputation for immersive escape rooms: one horror-themed hotel in Catalonia offers guests puzzles, dinner and an overnight stay.

Storm Travel Disruption: Storm Adam has caused deadly flooding across eastern Spain, with airport disruption in Ibiza and Mallorca, closed roads and suspended train services. Travelers in affected areas should follow local alerts and check with airlines before setting out. Holiday Costs: A new tourism tax is due to take effect in Spain and the Canary Islands on December 1, adding to holiday costs; charges may vary by destination. Tourism Spotlight: Spain took 11 major titles at the 2026 World Travel Awards, while Alicante Airport reported a record summer, with Polish and Italian visitor numbers rising.

Storm Adam: Torrential rain has killed at least two people in Spain and forced residents across 145 municipalities in Valencia and Alicante to stay indoors. Flooding has disrupted flights in Ibiza and Mallorca, suspended Valencia train services and closed roads in Andalucía; check official travel updates before setting out. Holiday Rental Costs: From December 1, qualifying furnished holiday lets for stays of 30 nights or fewer will face 10% VAT. A typical summer week could cost about €140 more, though owners may absorb some of the increase. Tourism Milestones: Alicante Airport handled nearly 8.93 million passengers from June to September, up 11.1% year on year, with particularly strong growth in Polish and Italian visitors. Spain also took 11 honours at the 2026 World Travel Awards Europe ceremony, including awards for Madrid’s conference tourism and Puy du Fou España.

Storm Disruption: Storm Adam brought deadly flooding to Spain, with red rain alerts in Valencia and Alicante and major disruption across the Balearics. Ibiza Airport suspended operations twice, diverting or cancelling flights; travellers should check with airlines and follow local warnings. Family Travel: Valencia, Madrid and Seville all made a new global top 10 for family-friendly city breaks, praised for walkability and affordable transport. Accessible Tourism: Spain’s tourist office has joined WTM London in a new accessibility partnership, aiming to raise standards for travellers with access needs. Air Links: Air Canada is set to launch its first nonstop flights between Seville and North America in 2027. Visitor Costs: Spain and the Canary Islands are reported to be planning a tourist tax from December 1, which could add to holiday bills. Marbella Legacy: Count Rudi, the hotelier who helped establish Marbella as a luxury destination, has died aged 94.

Storm Disruption: Red alerts for torrential rain cover parts of Valencia, Alicante, Ibiza and Formentera as Storm Adam brings flash-flood risks; a woman remains missing after being swept into a swollen stream near Barcelona. Check local alerts before travelling. Airport Update: A two-month strike at Barcelona Airport has ended, but further protests are planned. Lanzarote Excursions: Police are to check buggy safari operators’ permits after residents raised concerns about noise, dust and damage to rural tracks. Travel Improvements: Teulada-Moraira has completed more than €2 million in upgrades, including a cycling route and solar lighting; Spain has also launched a campaign to improve travel accessibility. New Flights: Air Canada plans to launch direct flights between Seville and North America in 2027. Holiday Costs: Reports say a new tourist tax could take effect in Spain and the Canary Islands from December 1, though details remain limited.

Severe Weather: Red rain alerts are in force for parts of Valencia and Alicante, with flash flooding expected. Barcelona has also suspended R2 Sud trains amid torrential rain; visitors should check local travel updates before setting out. Airport Disruption: A two-month ground-handling strike at Barcelona airport has ended, but demonstrations are planned from Monday, so some disruption may continue. New Flights: TUI is adding Gatwick routes to Seville, Valencia and Santiago de Compostela, widening options for winter trips. Food Getaway: Ciutadella on Menorca is drawing attention as a quieter alternative to San Sebastián, with a strong local food scene and several restaurants in the Michelin Guide.

Weather Alert: Aemet has issued its highest-level rain warning for parts of Valencia and Alicante, with up to 300 litres per square metre forecast in 24 hours. Travellers should check local updates and avoid flood-prone areas. Border Travel: Italy and Spain have agreed to work towards ending reciprocal Schengen checks, though Italy extended its controls for another week while officials discuss next steps. Cruise Update: A passenger was airlifted from the Scarlet Lady off Tenerife, one of two medical evacuations from cruise ships overnight. Coastal Escape: A new look at La Manga spotlights snorkelling around Cabo de Palos, the Mar Menor lagoon and resort stays. Travel Planning: Spain has launched a campaign to improve travel accessibility, while British holidaymakers are being warned of higher trip costs from December 1.

Accessible Travel: Spain has launched “A Country for All,” a campaign to improve travel information and access for visitors with disabilities. A full roadmap is due at WTM London on Nov. 3. Rail Disruption: Renfe drivers plan a 24-hour strike on Oct. 29, which could affect commuter, regional, long-distance and high-speed services across Spain. Border Checks: Spain and Italy have agreed to end their temporary Schengen checks, though Italy will keep controls for another week as both sides align the timing. Holiday Costs: From Dec. 1, furnished holiday rentals in Spain for stays of up to 30 nights will face 10% VAT, with exemptions including homes where the owner normally lives; hotel-style services can also make a rental taxable.

Severe Weather: Storm Adam is expected to bring heavy rain, flooding risk and strong winds to Spain’s Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands from Saturday through Monday, with Alicante among the areas at risk. Border Checks: Italy has extended checks on travellers arriving from Spain until October 23, but Madrid and Rome have agreed to work toward lifting them together. New Flights: Air Canada plans to launch Seville–Montreal service in 2027, giving the city its first nonstop link to North America. Holiday Costs: A new tourist tax is planned for Spain and the Canary Islands from December 1, with reports warning it could add to holiday bills. Plan Ahead: Spain’s 2027 public-holiday calendar offers several long-weekend opportunities, including New Year’s Day and Good Friday.

Airport Disruption: A strike threat at Barcelona airport could affect up to 1.8 million passengers as staff protest planned job cuts. Check with your airline before travelling. Travel Costs: Spain and the Canary Islands are set to introduce a tourist tax from December 1, adding to holiday costs. New Air Links: Air Canada plans to launch the first nonstop flights between Seville and North America in 2027, opening a new route for visitors. Travel Warning: ETIAS applications are not yet open and the system is delayed until at least 2027. Ignore websites offering permits now; they may be scams. Accessible Tourism: The Spanish Tourist Office has teamed up with WTM London on a new initiative to improve accessible travel.

New Direct Route: Air Canada will launch seasonal nonstop flights between Montreal and Seville on September 8, 2027—the first direct link between Seville and North America. Airport Disruption: Barcelona-El Prat ground staff plan protests in Terminal 1 on October 19 and 26 and November 2 amid a labor dispute, so passengers should check with their airlines before travelling. Weather Alert: Storms and locally heavy rain are possible in Alicante province this weekend, following a final warm spell on Friday. Travel Scam Warning: UK visitors are being urged to avoid websites selling ETIAS permits: applications are not expected to open until 2027. Accessible Tourism: Spain’s Tourist Office has teamed up with WTM London as its first accessibility partner, promoting a new “Spain: a country for all” campaign.

Hotels: Spain led Global Hotel Alliance’s third-quarter markets, with room revenue up 33% to $73 million as direct and cross-brand bookings grew. Food & Drink Tourism: Cantabria is opening craft breweries, cider houses and distilleries to visitors, tapping demand for hands-on food experiences; these travelers spend more than €170 a day on average. Travel Planning: UK visitors are warned not to pay for ETIAS permits yet: applications are still closed, and more than 150 websites are reportedly offering fake authorisations. Air Access: Air Canada is adding Toronto–Tenerife flights from Oct. 25, plus a weekly Montreal service, creating new North American links to the Canary Islands. Tourism Pressure: Protests over housing costs and mass tourism in Barcelona spotlight concerns about short-term rentals and their effect on local housing.

New Air Links: Air Canada will launch the first nonstop Montréal–Seville service in September 2027, opening up Andalusia to Canadian travellers. Its Montréal–Palma route will also return earlier next year, with up to four weekly flights in peak season. Outdoor Escapes: The Canary Islands are promoting year-round active holidays, from hiking around Teide and Garajonay to surfing, kayaking and snorkelling. Travel Disruption: An AVE train fire near Ricla forced 283 people to evacuate and halted Madrid–Barcelona rail traffic; check for service updates before travelling. Holiday Costs: From December 1, some short-term furnished rentals in Spain will face 10% VAT, including stays of up to 30 nights when hotel-style services are provided. Busy Airports: Spain’s airports handled a record 257.2 million passengers from January to September, up 4.1% year on year, with Málaga leading Andalucía’s September growth.

Rail Disruption: An AVE train fire near Ricla forced an evacuation and halted Madrid–Barcelona services, disrupting travel over the holiday weekend; check for updates before setting out. Air Routes: Ryanair plans to end its Bremen links to Alicante, Málaga and Palma de Mallorca from April 2027, removing a direct option for travellers from northern Germany. Holiday Demand: Spain remains a top choice for British holidaymakers in 2027, even as many delay bookings while hunting for deals. Travel Costs: A new tourist tax is due to take effect in Spain and the Canary Islands on December 1, potentially adding to holiday bills. Culture and Nature: Spain’s best-known foods grew from local ways of preserving ingredients before refrigeration. For mountain scenery and historic architecture, Posada de Valdeón offers a base for exploring Picos de Europa National Park. Weather: After unusually warm October days, temperatures are forecast to fall, with showers possible in the southeast.

Holiday Costs: From December 1, qualifying furnished holiday rentals in Spain booked for 30 nights or fewer may incur 10% VAT, potentially raising costs for visitors staying in apartments or villas. Beach Rules: La Laguna in Tenerife has introduced new coastal rules, including bans on smoking, loud music, littering and overnight stays; some violations can bring fines of up to €3,000. Air Access: Alicante Airport is heading into a busy winter after a near-peak October long weekend, with more than 4.2 million arrival seats scheduled. Murcia’s Corvera Airport also posted 7.2% passenger growth in the first nine months of the year. Rail Disruption: A train fire halted Madrid–Barcelona services for about five hours on Monday, disrupting thousands of holiday return journeys; all passengers were evacuated and no injuries were reported. UK Travel Demand: Spain remains the UK’s most popular holiday destination, with ABTA finding 36% of surveyed adults had visited in the past year, up from 32%.

Rail Disruption: An AVE train fire near Ricla forced 283 passengers to evacuate and halted services between Calatayud and Zaragoza on the Madrid–Barcelona corridor. Strike warnings also point to possible travel delays in November. Flight Changes: Jet2 is dropping its Manchester–La Palma route after just six months, reducing direct options for UK holidaymakers. Airport Standouts: Barcelona-El Prat ranked the world’s top large airport in a 2026 index, with Madrid-Barajas placing eighth. Holiday Costs: A new Spanish tourist tax due in December could raise some visitors’ costs by as much as 10%.