European travel demand has rebounded this summer despite economic pressures and geopolitical headwinds, according to the European Travel Commission’s (ETC) third quarterly report. Foreign arrivals are up 9% compared to 2019, while year-on-year arrivals are up 7%. The upward trend was supported by major events, improved air connectivity (especially from China) and pent-up demand. In Central and Eastern Europe, the recovery is slower but steady, due to the impact of the war in Ukraine.
While tourism has hit new highs this summer season, there have been numerous protests across Europe against the negative impact of mass tourism. Rising inflation has caused service prices to rise, resulting in higher travel costs and forcing tourists to seek more affordable destinations. All of these factors (economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, rising travel costs) pose a significant risk to Europe’s sustained tourism boom.
The full report is available via the link below: European Tourism 2024 – Trends & Prospects (Q3/2024) – ETC Corporate – ETC Corporate