Europe tourism hits new highs in 2024
In the second quarter of 2024, the European tourism industry saw its recovery continue, with foreign arrivals (+6%) and overnights (+7%) surpassing 2019 figures, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 12% and 10%, respectively.
The growth is propelled by robust intra-regional travel from Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.
The European Travel Commission (ETC) released the results in its latest European Tourism Trends & Prospects quarterly report.
Highlights included:
- Strong Recovery: Foreign arrivals and overnights surpass 2019 figures in the first half of 2024
- Regional Leaders: Southern Europe and Mediterranean destinations show notable increases in arrivals, driven by Serbia, Malta, and Portugal
- Diversified Tourism: Travel increases to lesser-known destinations, such as Albania and Montenegro
- Rising Expenditure: Tourists in Europe are expected to spend €800.5 billion in 2024, up 13.7% since 2023
- Positive Online Sentiment: Discussions highlight the appeal of less-crowded destinations and sustainable travel
Miguel Sanz, ETC’s President, said: “It is encouraging to see the increasing diversification of the European tourism landscape this quarter. This benefits both emerging destinations and established hotspots that may potentially face overcrowding.”
Sanz continued: “Furthermore, growing tourist numbers in lesser-known areas will help small businesses still recovering from the pandemic or struggling with rising operational costs due to the current economic context. We welcome a more balanced spread of tourism across Europe, contributing to the increasing sustainability of our industry.”
Go to www.etc-corporate.org for more.
