The number of arrivals to the tourist country of Spain fell by a staggering 75 percent in July, compared to the same period last year. And the amount of money tourists spent fell by 79.5 percent, according to figures from the National Institute of Statistics (INE).

July was the first full month that hard-hit Spain kept its borders open, after lifting its state of emergency and starting to welcome travelers on June 21.

Despite the modest figures, tourism is still experiencing an upswing compared to the spring, when the country was closed to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

Spain is the world's second most popular tourist destination after France. Last year, it welcomed 83 million visitors, according to statistics from the World Tourism Organization. Tourism is estimated to account for 12 percent of GDP and 13 percent of jobs.

Source: TT