Interest in traveling is at its highest level since 2020, albeit in a climate of greater caution
Portugal, Spain and other southern European countries have established themselves as preferred destinations for Europeans to travel in spring and summer this year, with a combined 17% increase in demand compared to 2025.
According to the most recent report from the European Travel Commission (ETC), cited by the news agency Europa Press, there is an effective 17% increase in demand from Europeans to travel this spring and summer compared to last year, which is led by Spain, which accounts for 14% of travelers, followed by Italy (11%), France (8%), Portugal and Greece (both with 6%).
According to the ETC report, interest in traveling is at its highest level since 2020, albeit in a climate of greater caution, with fewer and shorter trips, as well as more moderate budgets, due to uncertainty and the current impact caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
Young Europeans are the key reason for this increase in optimism about travel, as intentions to travel between the ages of 18 and 34 have increased significantly.
Despite high levels of optimism regarding travel in Europe, geopolitical tensions and rising costs increasingly influence travel decisions, indicates, on the other hand, the ETC report, highlighting that safety is the main criterion when travelers choose a destination, followed by a pleasant and stable climate, and attractive offers.
Concern about rising travel costs remains the most prominent overall, affecting 20% of Europeans, while concerns related to tensions in the Middle East have risen sharply, rising nine percentage points to 18%.
“What is changing is the way they travel. We are seeing a more selective approach focused on cost-benefit ratio, in which travelers opt for shorter stays, more flexible plans and carefully managed budgets”, declared president of ETC, Miguel Sanz, cited by Europa Press.
Based on the ETC report, Europeans appear to be more thoughtful and selective in their travels. In particular, they plan shorter trips than last year, with a stay of four to six nights now being more common (38%), while longer stays of seven to 12 nights have decreased (37%).
Budgets are also being adjusted in this scenario, with a growing percentage of travelers (+4%) planning to allocate a moderate budget of up to one thousand euros.
