EU Tourism Gets Its Groove On—Except Four Countries
At the crack of the new year, travel vibes across the European Union were all about “yes, let’s go!”—except for a handful of nations that’re still sipping coffee instead of souvenirs.
Where’s the buzz missing?
- Country A (just kidding, you know which one…) – still stuck in full‑stop mode.
- Country B – sightseeing’s on pause.
- Country C – tourists are just checking in.
- Country D – the only place where planes fly like no one’s watching.
Why the rest are thriving
For the other 20+ EU members, the numbers are dancing away from 2022’s slump. More travelers, fewer empty doors, and pop culture festivals pulling crowds—all in the bag.
In short, if you’re planning a European escapade, keep an eye out for those four nope islands—otherwise, grab your passport and go!
Tourists are Packing In—But Not Like We Remembered
In the Southern Mediterranean, a modest 2 % rise in arrivals tells us that people are finally craving sunny escapes even when it’s off‑season. Guess the heat is catching up, folks!
Central & Eastern Europe: A Big Boom on the Baltic Scene
Across Central and Eastern Europe, visitor numbers ticked up by a striking 8 %. The Baltic states were the real heroes, pulling the most tourists in during the first quarter of 2024.
The 2019 High‑Water Line Still Looms
Yet, overall, the subregion’s numbers are still hanging short of their pre‑pandemic glory. It’s like a football game where the scoreboard keeps showing “2019” in the corner.
The Speed Runners of Arrival Gains
- Lithuania (+21 %) – Sprinting past the rest.
- Malta (+19 %) – Small island, big bump.
- Latvia (+16 %) – A solid leap.
- Finland (+15 %) – Even the Vikings would be proud.
- Spain (+6 %) – A steady climb.
Where Fewer Feet Fell In
- Luxembourg – The tiny house feels smaller.
- Ireland – Green alone is no crowd.
- Sweden – Cool vibes, cool crowd.
- Belgium – A donut‑shop vibe, not a tourist spot.
Beach Buzz: Sunshine, Sand, and a Lot of Self‑ie‑Pressure
There’s a side story: “Sun, sea and overcrowded sands” are the top complaints about Europe’s beaches. Folks love the vibes but can’t resist the hassle of standing shoulder‑to‑shoulder to snap the perfect wave shot.
Which EU countries are earning the most from tourism?
Despite these positive trends in international tourism, experts are concerned about economic factors, including weaker economic growth, high travel costs and the increase in tariffs.
These are seen as the three main challenges that could impact international tourism in 2025.
According to a survey by the UNWTO Panel of Experts, a quarter of respondents anticipate that trade tensions could have an impact on tourism performance in the near future.
Yet, Spain, the world’s second-largest tourism earner, reported a 9% growth in visitor spending between January and February, compared to the same two months in 2024.
This follows a significant 16% growth in 2024.
France experienced a 6% rise in international tourism income, while Denmark saw an 11% increase in the first quarter of 2025.
Greece, Italy, and Portugal also reported a 4% rise in tourism profits during this time.