European destinations reported healthy growth in 2018 with rising tourist numbers from China, Russia and the USA, according to the European Travel Commission’s latest report on European Tourism Trends & Prospects 2018.
European destinations reported healthy growth in 2018 despite rising political risks and constraining financial conditions posing a threat to the global economic outlook.
Growth was boosted by robust intra-European demand and improved air connectivity, notably from China.
According to the European Travel Commission’s latest report, 32 out of 34 destinations registered growth over the summer of 2018, with 1 in 4 enjoying double digit expansion in arrivals.
Europe saw a +7% increase in international tourist arrivals the first half of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 with growth led by Southern Mediterranean destinations. Turkey had a 23% increase in numbers, Greece had 17%, Malta 16%, and Serbia 15%.
Despite escalating trade wars and volatile economic conditions, travel demand from Europe’s key long haul source markets remains solid. USA outbound travel increased.
Chinese travellers were a source of extensive arrivals growth in several Balkan destinations. Turkey saw a Chinese inbound increase of 87% while Serbia had 104%, Montenegro 64% and Croatia 41%.
Strong growth was also recorded from Russia, particularly in Malta (+40%), Iceland (+26%), Turkey (+26%) and Romania. This inflow of Russians to Europe is expected to increase by 5% per year on average by 2022.
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