European Tourism Trends & Prospects (Q2/2025)

The European Travel Commission (ETC) has released its latest report, “European Tourism: Trends & Prospects”, highlighting the continued resilience of Europe’s tourism sector during the second quarter of 2025. 

International tourist arrivals increased by 3.3% compared to the same period in 2024. However, overnight stays declined slightly by 0.7%, likely due to the late timing of Easter and changes to school holiday schedules. Despite this, interest in spring travel surged, with a 36% increase in online searches for spring getaways compared to 2024. This trend points to a growing preference for off-season travel, as more tourists aim to avoid peak summer heat and overcrowding. 

Destinations in Central and Eastern Europe experienced growth in arrivals, with positive performances by Latvia (+16%), Lithuania (+15%), and Hungary (+14%). This situation is likely driven by improved connectivity and signals continued recovery from the impacts of the Russo-Ukrainian war. 

Southern European countries reported significant increases in tourism revenue, suggesting that overall tourist spending could rise by approximately 13%. Travellers appear increasingly attracted to lesser-known destinations offering better value for money, and they also tend to spend more during off-peak months. 

Travel from the United States remains strong, surpassing 2024 levels. Economic uncertainty may be contributing to lower airfares, which in turn support continued transatlantic travel. Tourism from China also showed marked improvement, with all reporting destinations recording increases in both arrivals and overnight stays. 

For more detailed insights and data, please consult the full ETC report available under "Related documents".