European Tourism 2018 – Trends & Prospects (Q2/2018)

European Tourism Maintains its Momentum Towards the Summer Peak Season

European tourism demand remains robust, continuing the trends observed earlier in the year. Despite a projected slowdown in the global economy, destinations in Europe saw solid growth that paved the way for an encouraging summer season. Year-to-date results have been mainly driven by strong intra-European and long-haul travel demand, increased air connections and destinations’ efforts to ensure year-round tourism growth.

Sustained growth has been recorded by all (33) reporting destinations, out of which one third saw growth in excess of 10%. Turkey (+33%) is enjoying a strong recovery – following a bleak 2016 and 2017 – as perceptions of risk weaken and the transcontinental destination opens to new markets and diversifies its offering.