Published on January 17, 2026
In 2025, EU tourism reached a milestone with over three billion overnight stays, fueled by the enduring appeal of top destinations such as Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Turkey, Greece, the Netherlands, and Austria. These countries have become central to global travel, offering a combination of rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and diverse landscapes that continue to attract millions of visitors. This unprecedented growth in tourism not only highlights the region’s ability to captivate global travelers but also underscores the economic impact and sustainability of tourism across Europe. With ever-increasing international demand, the EU stands poised to maintain its position as a dominant force in global tourism.
In 2025, the European Union saw a notable increase in tourism, with the total number of overnight stays in tourist accommodations reaching 3.08 billion. This marked an impressive growth of 61.5 million nights, or a 2% rise, when compared to the previous year, as reported by Eurostat. The tourism industry within the EU has been on an upward trajectory, driven largely by the resurgence of international travel, along with steady growth in domestic tourism.

International travel was the primary factor behind the growth, with foreign visitors contributing 46.1 million more overnight stays in 2025 compared to the year before. The figures indicate a strong demand for travel across the continent, as international tourists flocked to Europe to explore its diverse cultural and historical attractions. While international tourism was the driving force behind the increase in overnight stays, domestic tourism also experienced growth, albeit at a slower pace. Domestic travelers contributed 15.4 million additional nights, reflecting a steady interest in exploring the EU’s many diverse destinations by local residents.
The balance between international and domestic tourism remained largely even in 2025, with international visitors accounting for 49% of the total overnight stays, while domestic tourists made up 51%. This near-even split shows the continued importance of both international and local tourism to the EU economy, as both segments help fuel the continent’s vibrant travel and hospitality industry.

In terms of accommodation types, hotels and similar establishments continued to dominate the market, with 1.9 billion overnight stays recorded, representing 63% of the total. This is not surprising, as hotels are often the go-to accommodation option for a wide range of tourists, offering convenience, comfort, and accessibility. Following hotels in the accommodation rankings were holiday homes and other short-term rental options, which recorded 743 million nights, or 24% of the total. Short-term rentals, such as those offered through platforms like Airbnb, have become increasingly popular among travelers seeking more unique and personalized experiences. Campsites, which remain a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers and those seeking a closer connection to nature, accounted for 413 million nights, or 13% of the total overnight stays.
Looking at the performance of individual EU member states, 2025 was a year of growth for most countries, as nearly all of them reported an increase in overnight stays. Malta saw the highest growth in the EU, with a remarkable 10% increase in overnight stays. This is a reflection of Malta’s rising popularity as a tourist destination, offering a combination of rich history, stunning coastlines, and a warm Mediterranean climate. Poland followed closely behind with a 7% increase in overnight stays, further solidifying its place as a key destination in Central Europe. Latvia also saw a healthy growth of 6%, driven by the growing interest in its capital city, Riga, which has become increasingly popular for both leisure and business travelers.

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However, not all countries experienced growth. Romania saw a slight decrease of 1% in overnight stays, and Ireland experienced a small decline of 2%. Despite these declines, the overall picture for tourism in the EU remained positive, with more countries seeing growth than setbacks. The drop in overnight stays in some countries can likely be attributed to factors such as economic conditions, changing consumer preferences, or competition from neighboring destinations.
Among the EU’s most popular destinations, Greece stood out as a major player in the tourism market. In 2024, Greece recorded 152,944,662 overnight stays, a solid increase from the 147,209,821 stays in 2023. Greece’s appeal as a travel destination is undeniable, with its ancient ruins, beautiful islands, and Mediterranean charm drawing millions of visitors each year. The country remains one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe, ranking sixth in terms of overnight stays, trailing only behind Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and Turkey. Spain, the leader in European tourism, recorded an impressive 505 million overnight stays in 2024, a reflection of its strong position in the global tourism market. Italy and France followed closely with 466 million and 457 million overnight stays, respectively. Germany ranked fourth with 439 million overnight stays, while Turkey secured fifth place with 216 million. Greece, with its steady rise in overnight stays, continued to outperform several central European countries, including the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland, securing its spot among the top tourism destinations in Europe.
The overall picture for tourism in the EU in 2025 reveals a continent in the midst of a sustained recovery and growth period. The strong demand for both international and domestic tourism reflects a deep-seated desire among travelers to explore the diverse and rich cultural offerings that Europe has to offer. The increase in overnight stays not only highlights Europe’s continued prominence as a top global travel destination but also demonstrates the growing importance of the tourism sector in driving economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange across the region.
In 2025, over three billion overnight stays in the EU were driven by the enduring allure of leading destinations like Spain, Italy, France, and Greece, which offer rich cultural, historical, and natural experiences that continue to captivate global travelers. This surge highlights Europe’s dominance in global tourism and its ability to attract diverse international visitors.
Looking ahead, the future of tourism in the EU looks promising, with many countries and regions continuing to invest in infrastructure, sustainable tourism practices, and innovative experiences to attract more visitors. As the continent works to balance growth with sustainability, the tourism industry will undoubtedly remain a vital part of the EU’s economic and cultural landscape in the years to come.

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Tags: EU tourism growth, overnight stays, spain tourism, top travel destinations

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Saturday, January 17, 2026
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Saturday, January 17, 2026

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