Europe is the world’s tourism powerhouse, welcoming 747 million international visitors in 2024—more than half of all global tourists.
At the same time, travelers spent a record-breaking 3 billion nights in EU accommodations, highlighting the continent’s unmatched appeal.
From overnight stays and tourist spending to country breakdowns and emerging challenges like overtourism, here are the most important tourism in Europe statistics for 2025.
What Are the Top Tourism Stats for Europe in 2025?
- 3 billion nights spent in EU tourist accommodations in 2024—the highest ever.
- 747 million international arrivals to Europe in 2024, surpassing both 2023 and pre-pandemic numbers.
- +5% growth in international tourist arrivals in Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024.
- 125 million international visitors in Q1 2025, up 5% vs Q1 2019.
- 826 million overnight stays in Q2 2025 (+5.1% vs Q2 2024).
- 1.3 billion overnight stays in H1 2025 (+2.3% vs H1 2024).
- Tourism spending in Europe reached €705 billion in 2024.
- Projected €838 billion in 2025 (+11% vs 2024).
- 7.7 million Americans visited Europe in Jan–May 2025 (+6%).
- +6.3% foreign arrivals and +5.9% overnight stays vs 2019 levels.
Our sector created 24.6 million jobs. So, 11.5% of all the jobs in Europe come from our sector, which shows you why it’s so significant.
Which Countries Lead in European Tourism?
Some countries dominate Europe’s tourism landscape, especially in terms of overnight stays.
- Top overnight countries in 2024: Spain (500 million nights), Italy (458 million), France (451 million), Germany (441 million)—together accounting for 61.6% of EU tourism nights.
- Spain led international nights in 2023 with 302 million; next were Italy (234M), France (138M), Greece (123M), Austria (91M), jointly holding 64.5% share.
- Malta saw +23% international arrivals in 2024, boosted by off-season appeal.
Top Countries by Overnight Stays (2024)
| Country | Overnight Stays (millions) | Share of EU total |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 500 | 20.3% |
| Italy | 458 | 18.6% |
| France | 451 | 18.3% |
| Germany | 441 | 18.0% |
| Others | 1,507 | 24.8% |
Together, these four countries account for over 61% of all EU overnight stays.
How Does Seasonality and Accommodation Type Affect Tourism?
- In Q2 2025, overnight stays rose from 218.8M in April, to 267.7M in May, and 339.6M in June.
- Hotel stays in Q2 2025 reached 519.5 million nights (+3.6%), accounting for 62.9% of total; other forms (holiday rentals, campsites) rose 7.8%.
- In Q4 2024, overnight stays jumped 25.4 million (+5.1%), driven by international tourism (+7.2%).
How Many International Visitors Travel to Europe?
Europe welcomed around 747 million international tourists in 2024, fully surpassing its pre-pandemic levels.
International Tourist Arrivals – Growth Trends
| Year / Quarter | Arrivals (millions) | Change vs Previous Year | Change vs 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 (baseline) | 710 | – | – |
| 2023 | ~703 | +4.5% | -1.0% |
| 2024 | 747 | +6.3% | +5.2% |
| Q1 2025 | 125 | +4.9% | +5.0% |
How Many Overnight Stays Do Tourists Spend in Europe?
Overnight stays reflect the intensity of tourism demand — and Europe keeps breaking records.
Overnight Stays by Quarter (2025)
| Quarter | Nights Spent (millions) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 | 460 | +2.2% |
| Q2 2025 | 826 | +5.1% |
| H1 2025 | 1,286 | +2.3% |
International guests accounted for 614 million nights (+3.1%), while domestic travelers contributed 664 million nights (+1.7%).
How Much Does Tourism Contribute to Europe’s Economy?
Tourism is one of Europe’s most important industries, fueling jobs and GDP growth.
Tourism Spending in Europe
| Year | Spending (€ billions) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 624 (EU direct contrib.) | – |
| 2023 | 650 | +4% |
| 2024 | 705 | +8% |
| 2025* | 838 (forecast) | +11% |
*2025 forecast based on UNWTO/WTTC projections.
Tourism directly supports over 2 million jobs across the continent. Malta is one of the most tourism-dependent countries, with the sector making up 14.2% of GDP.
How Important Are U.S. Visitors to Europe?
U.S. travelers are a growing segment, fueling demand for both leisure and business tourism.
U.S. Visitors to Europe
| Period | Number of U.S. Tourists (millions) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 (full year) | 36.4 | – |
| 2024 (annual est.) | ~15.7 | – |
| Jan–May 2025 | 7.7 | +6% |
How Does Europe Compare Globally?
- Europe continues to capture about 50% of global tourism, maintaining its market dominance.
- In 2024, international tourism earnings worldwide hit US$2 trillion, 15% above pre-pandemic levels.
What About Short-Term Rentals and Overtourism?
- Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.) surged 28.3% in Q1 2024, with 123.7 million nights booked.
- Zakynthos in Greece recorded 149,887 tourists per 1,000 residents, the highest tourist-to-resident ratio in Europe.
- Paris recorded the densest stays with 418,000 per km², while Mallorca logged 51 million yearly overnight stays.
What Is the Future of Tourism in Europe?
Simon Calder, travel expert, predicts strong demand will continue:
All the indications … show that we have an insatiable appetite for travel. And 2025 is going to be fantastic in having wider horizons than ever.
He suggests travelers may increasingly turn to less crowded destinations such as Albania and Bulgaria as alternatives to hotspots like Paris or Barcelona.
At the same time, Stefan Gössling, professor and sustainability expert, warns of a longer-term shift:
We have already entered the beginning of the age of non-tourism.
With climate-driven challenges like heatwaves and wildfires, Gössling argues that Europe must prepare for a future where travel becomes more expensive and less predictable.
FAQ – Tourism in Europe
Is European tourism back to pre-pandemic levels?
Yes. Arrivals, overnight stays, and spending have all surpassed 2019 levels.
Which country had the most overnight stays in 2024?
Spain led with 500 million overnight stays, followed by Italy, France, and Germany.
How much money does tourism bring to Europe?
In 2024, spending reached €705 billion, with projections of €838 billion in 2025.
How significant are U.S. tourists for Europe?
U.S. visitors are growing steadily, with 7.7 million traveling to Europe in Jan–May 2025, a 6% increase.
Which destinations face overtourism challenges?
Zakynthos, Paris, and Mallorca are among the most pressured destinations, with extreme tourist densities.
Conclusion
Europe’s tourism sector is not just recovering — it’s thriving. International arrivals, overnight stays, and spending all hit record highs in 2024 and the first half of 2025. With projections showing an 11% increase in spending this year, Europe is set to solidify its position as the global leader in travel.
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