German military endangers thousands of tourists and millions in revenue in the Balearics and Canaries

The initiative envisions a voluntary military service of at least six months, with a salary of €2,300 per month.

The German government’s decision to revive conscription could have a noticeable impact on Spain’s island tourism sector. The measure, aimed at strengthening the armed forces against the rising threats of “sabotage, cyber‑attacks and disinformation” from Russia, is expected to sharply reduce the flow of young German travelers to key Spanish destinations such as the Balearic and Canary Islands.

The German Cabinet has approved a bill to expand its army to 260,000 professional soldiers and 200,000 reservists by 2030.

“The security situation in Germany and Europe forces us to bring back this tradition,” said Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The defence minister, Boris Pistorius, added that if voluntary enrolment does not meet the required numbers, mandatory conscription could be introduced.

Impact on Spanish Tourism

• Target demographic: The service would affect German youths aged 15‑24, a group that currently represents a sizable share of visitors to the islands.
• Balearic Islands: Young Germans (15‑24) account for 13.7 % of all German visitors.
• Canary Islands: The same age group makes up 9.3 % of German tourists.
• Economic risk: A drop in these summer flows could jeopardise local businesses—hotels, bars, nightclubs—and force the tourism sector to seek new markets or demographic groups.

German Tourist Profile (2024)

• Average age: 43.5 years.
• Overall share of German visitors to Spain: 12.7 % of total international arrivals (11.9 million tourists).
• Spending: €15.515 billion, making Germany the second‑largest spender after the United Kingdom.
• Average spend per person per day: €165; average stay: 7.9 nights.
• Travel purpose: 89 % leisure; 69 % stay in hotels.
• Preferred destinations:
  • Balearic Islands – 42 % of German visitors
  • Canary Islands – 22 %
  • Catalonia – 13 %

Recent Trends

• German arrivals to Spain grew 8.6 % in 2024, with a 17.6 % increase in nominal spending and an 8.2 % rise in hotel overnight stays, surpassing pre‑pandemic levels.
• Despite 53 % of Germans perceiving a worsening overall economic situation, vacation spending remains the second‑most important expense after food, ahead of health costs.
• 64.6 % travelled without an organised package, reflecting a growing preference for independent trips.

If the reinstated “mili” reduces the ability of German youths to take summer holidays abroad, the Balearic and Canary Islands could face a significant short‑term revenue dip and be compelled to adapt their tourism strategies to mitigate the loss.