Travel is booming in Europe despite headwinds including rising prices, geopolitical tensions, airport delays and climate concerns.
The latest European Travel Commission (ETC) Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel shows 81% of Europeans intended to travel between June and November 2026 - up four percentage points from the same period last year.
The findings underline the resilience of travel demand while highlighting a growing focus on safety, value for money and climate resilience when choosing destinations.
The survey also shows that Europeans continue to favour multiple vacations, with 55% planning at least two trips over the next six months. Nearly two-thirds (64%) expected to travel within Europe, reinforcing the region’s position as the preferred destination for its own residents.
Travel enthusiasm has strengthened across nearly every age group, reaching its highest level among travellers aged 45 to 54, where 86% are planning a trip.
The findings underline the resilience of travel demand while highlighting a growing focus on safety, value for money and climate resilience when choosing destinations.
The survey also shows that Europeans continue to favour multiple vacations, with 55% planning at least two trips over the next six months. Nearly two-thirds (64%) expected to travel within Europe, reinforcing the region’s position as the preferred destination for its own residents.
Travel enthusiasm has strengthened across nearly every age group, reaching its highest level among travellers aged 45 to 54, where 86% are planning a trip.
Southern and Mediterranean Europe remained the continent’s most sought-after vacation region, attracting 61% of intended travellers, four percentage points higher than a year ago.
Spain tops the list of preferred destinations, chosen by 14% of respondents, followed by Italy (12%), France (8%) and Greece (7%). The enduring appeal of sunshine, beaches, cultural attractions and city breaks continues to drive demand for these destinations.
The report also points to a growing desire for more authentic and less crowded experiences.
While interest in Europe’s iconic tourist destinations has edged up to 48%, a slight majority of travellers (52%) now say they prefer exploring lesser-known locations or destinations off the traditional tourist trail.
Crowding is also becoming a more significant consideration with 11% of respondents say avoiding busy destinations.
One in five Europeans (20%) cite safety as their top consideration, ahead of pleasant weather (15%) and attractive travel deals (14%).
Financial pressures continue to weigh on travellers’ minds, even though demand remains robust. Rising travel costs are now the biggest concern for 22% of respondents, while 17% are worried about their personal financial situation.
Geopolitical instability is also having a greater impact on travel planning than in previous years. Concerns related to the conflict in the Middle East have doubled over the past year, rising from 7% to 14%, while 11% of Europeans remain concerned about the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Despite higher fuel prices and increasing airfare costs, flying remains the preferred mode of transportation, with 53% planning to travel by air.
Commenting on the findings, Miguel Sanz, president of the ETC, said Europeans continue to place a high value on travel despite an increasingly complex global environment.
Image: Madrid
Financial pressures continue to weigh on travellers’ minds, even though demand remains robust. Rising travel costs are now the biggest concern for 22% of respondents, while 17% are worried about their personal financial situation.
Geopolitical instability is also having a greater impact on travel planning than in previous years. Concerns related to the conflict in the Middle East have doubled over the past year, rising from 7% to 14%, while 11% of Europeans remain concerned about the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Despite higher fuel prices and increasing airfare costs, flying remains the preferred mode of transportation, with 53% planning to travel by air.
Commenting on the findings, Miguel Sanz, president of the ETC, said Europeans continue to place a high value on travel despite an increasingly complex global environment.
Image: Madrid
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