Europe turns in strong performance in third quarter 2024

The latest research from the European Travel Commission (ETC) highlights a 6% rise in foreign arrivals over 2019 levels and a 7% increase in year-on-year growth. Overnight stays have also grown by 5% year-on-year.

The upward trend is driven by major events, improved air connectivity – especially from China – and lingering pent-up demand.

The newly released “European Tourism Trends & Prospects” Q3 2024 report offers insights into the dynamic performance of European tourism during the summer period and provides a comprehensive analysis of the region’s latest tourism and macroeconomic developments.

While headline inflation in Europe has eased, services inflation remains elevated, affecting both tourism businesses and travellers.

Prices for international flights in the Euro Area declined in July and saw a slight increase in August, but inflation for accommodation and package holidays continued to surpass overall services inflation.

As travellers become increasingly price-conscious, there is a notable shift toward value-driven travel experiences.

Overall tourist expenditure across Europe is projected to rise by 10.3% in 2024 compared to 2023 and reach €719.7 billion, with Western Europe accounting for 74% of this total.

ETC President Miguel Sanz, said: “The performance of European tourism in 2024 underscores the sector’s resilience and enduring appeal despite economic pressures. Travellers continue to prioritise holidays, even in the face of rising costs, highlighting the essential role of travel in their lives.”

Sanz continued: “Following a busy summer, Europe is actively addressing capacity constraints in popular hotspots by redistributing visitors to more diverse destinations. We aim to alleviate the strain on overburdened areas and ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are shared more equitably. European tourism is not just about rebounding; we need to evolve to secure a sustainable future.”