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ETC Report Reveals Europe’s Tourism Resilience Amid Cost Challenges and Emerging Trends

Data

19 November 2025

ETC Report Reveals Europe’s Tourism Resilience Amid Cost Challenges and Emerging Trends

Adventure tourism

Coastal, maritime and inland water tourism

Cultural tourism

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Despite facing record heatwaves and increased costs, Europe’s tourism industry shows remarkable resilience with a projected rise in traveler spending and shifting travel habits. Discover how technology and evolving consumer preferences shape Europe's travel landscape to ensure its enduring appeal.

Publishing org

European Travel Commission

Related Organisation(s)

European Travel Commission

Topics
Geographical descriptors

Albania

Armenia

Austria

Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

EU-27

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Italy

Kosovo

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Moldova

Montenegro

Netherlands

North Macedonia

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Serbia

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Türkiye

Ukraine

Other

Organisation Type

Academic / Research and VET Institutions

Business Support Organisation

Company with 250 or more employees

Cluster Organisations

Consumer Organisations

Cultural and Heritage Organisations

Destination Management & Marketing Organisations

EU Institutions

Financial Institutions and Investors

Industry Associations and Chambers of Commerce

International Organisations

Local Authorities

Media / Journalist Organisations

National authorities

Networks and Federations / Confederations

NGOs / Non-profits

Notified Bodies

Regional Authorities

SMEs (a company with less than 250 employees)

Social Economy Entity

Trade Unions

Other

  • Specific types of tourism

    • Adventure tourism

    • Coastal, maritime and inland water tourism

    • Cultural tourism

    • Ecotourism

    • Education tourism

    • Festival tourism

    • Gastronomy tourism

    • Health and medical tourism

    • MICE tourism

    • Mountain tourism

    • Religious tourism

    • Rural tourism

    • Sports tourism

    • Urban/city tourism

    • Wellness tourism

  • Transition Pathway Strategic Areas

    • Changes in tourism demand and opportunities

    • Cross-border travelling

    • Digitalisation of tourism SMEs and destinations

    • Green Transition of Tourism Companies and SMEs

    • R&I on digital tools for tourism

    • Sustainable mobility

  • Business activities

    • Activities of amusement parks and theme parks

    • Activities of associations and other organisations supporting tourism

    • Air passenger transport

    • Camping grounds, recreational vehicle parks and trailer parks

    • Events catering and other food services

    • Festivals, cultural and entertainment activities

    • Gardens and nature reserves activities

    • Holiday Housing / Apartments and other short stay accommodation

    • Hotel and similar accommodation

    • Mobile beverage services

    • Mobile food services

    • Museums

    • Operation of historical sites

    • Other

    • Other accommodation

    • Other amusement and recreation activities

    • Other food and beverage services

    • Other holiday reservation services

    • Other tourism transportation activities

    • Rail Passenger transport

    • Recreational and sport activities

    • Restaurants, cafes and bars (Food and Beverage serving activities)

    • Road passenger transport

    • Tour operator activities

    • Travel agency activities

    • Water (sea, coastal and inland) passenger transport

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The European Travel Commission's Q3 2025 report shines a light on the robust and adaptive nature of Europe's tourism sector. Despite facing high temperatures and increased costs, Europe saw a 3% increase in international arrivals and a 2.7% rise in overnight stays, reaffirming its status as a favored global travel destination.

Southern Mediterranean nations like Malta, Cyprus, Spain, and Portugal recorded significant visitor increases driven by sun-and-beach holidays. Meanwhile, Northern European destinations such as Norway, Iceland, and the Baltic states drew visitors with their cooler climates and natural beauty, showcasing Europe’s diverse appeal and capacity to cater to different traveler preferences.

A pivot towards innovative travel planning is evident, with European travelers increasingly utilizing AI to refine their travel plans, avoid crowded periods, and secure better deals. This trend is especially prominent among younger generations, providing European destinations with opportunities to tap into this market by promoting year-round and personalized travel experiences.

Value for money continues to influence travel choices within Europe. Regions like Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland, Hungary, and Slovenia, are leveraging competitive pricing while delivering quality experiences, attracting cost-savvy travelers amid ongoing economic challenges.

Looking forward, the tourism sector is poised for sustained growth, with a predicted 6.8% rise in international arrivals by 2026. This growth underscores Europe's ability to adapt and thrive amidst evolving global travel patterns. For a broader understanding and detailed analysis, readers are encouraged to explore the full report available on the European Travel Commission's website.

#Sustainable tourism #Experiential tourism #Slow travel #Climate action #Green transportation options #Smart destinations #Trends

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