International tourist arrivals to Europe increased by 5.0% year-to-date in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to data collected by the European Travel Commission (ETC). Overnight stays across the continent rose by 4.8%, with about 80% of reporting European destinations registering growth, highlighting resilience amid geopolitical tensions and economic challenges.
Destination Growth and Declines in Europe
Greece led European countries in arrival growth, recording a 38% increase in international visitors and a 64.3% surge in travel spending through the first half of 2026. Italy followed with a 21% rise in arrivals and a 4.3% increase in travel expenditure. Malta
also saw arrivals grow by 16%, contributing to strong performance in Southern and Mediterranean Europe overall.
Northern Europe outperformed other subregions with a 10.0% increase in arrivals and an 8.4% rise in overnight stays. Central and Eastern Europe posted arrivals growth of 5.2% and overnight stays up 6.9%, driven by demand for new experiences and value. Portugal and Spain contributed to solid growth in Southern Europe alongside Malta and Greece.
Some destinations experienced declines related to geopolitical factors. Cyprus saw arrivals fall by 17.9%, influenced in part by Easter holiday timing and traveler concerns linked to the Middle East conflict’s
proximity. Türkiye recorded a 2.1% decrease in arrivals, attributed to reduced demand from European and long-haul visitors connected to regional instability.
Impact on Aviation and Consumer Spending
European air passenger traffic grew by 7% in Revenue Passenger Kilometres during the first quarter of 2026, with March demonstrating the strongest monthly growth at 8%. However, April 2026 growth slowed markedly to 1% amid flight disruptions caused by Middle East conflict impacting connections between Europe and mid- to long-haul markets.
Travel spending generally outpaced arrival numbers across Europe. Greece notably combined a 38% rise in arrivals with a 64.3% increase in visitor expenditure, indicating higher per-trip spending. Italy
saw arrivals increase by 21.1%, but spending rose more modestly by 4.3%, reflecting softer average spending per visitor. In contrast, both arrivals and spending declined in destinations such as Türkiye and Cyprus.
Traveler Preferences and Seasonal Trends
Traveler priorities have shifted toward destinations perceived as safer, offering strong value for money, easier access, and opportunities for trips outside peak periods. Survey data from Q2 2026 shows 48% of European respondents identified affordability and value as key opportunities, up from 32% in Q1, indicating increased price sensitivity.
Interest in Southern and Mediterranean Europe rose to 61% for travel between June and November 2026, reflecting preference for
nearby, flexible destinations. Shoulder season months gained importance, with notable booking increases for September as travelers seek to avoid overcrowding and mitigate weather risks.
Although interest in sustainable tourism increased based on Google Trends data for 2026 compared to 2025, only 41% of travelers intend to adjust travel behavior based on environmental concerns.
European Travel Commission Outlook
Miguel Sanz, President of the European Travel Commission, characterized European tourism’s Q2 2026 performance as resilient despite an uncertain global environment. He emphasized that evolving traveler behavior places rising importance on affordability, safety, proximity, and value for money in destination choice.
Sanz noted the need for European
destinations to maintain competitiveness while promoting balanced visitor distribution across regions and seasons to adapt to shifting demand patterns. Leisure travel spending in European source markets is forecast to remain steady at 13% of total consumer spending in 2026, substantially above the global average.
