Catalonia has benefited from a massive influx of tourists since the introduction of cheap flights to the region, an airline has said.

Budget carrier Ryanair stated that since it began offering services to Spain in 2002, it has transported almost 13 million people to Girona and Reus.

The firm added that since it provided transport at a relatively low cost, tourists were able to save a collective total of more than €1 billion.

Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, stated that Catalonia had benefited as a result since tourists had more money to spend while on holiday in the area.

He also said that new flights to the region would be announced soon, potentially boosting tourism and overseas property investment like flats, houses and condos in the region.

Mr O’Leary commented: "At the end of this month, we look forward to bringing even more of Ryanair’s guaranteed lowest fares to Catalan passengers, when we launch 14 new routes from Girona."

The introduction of new flights is likely to lead to extra interest in the region among foreign property buyers.

Earlier this month, the Telegraph recommended that overseas property investors look at airline routes to identify potential growth markets.

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