Published on
October 18, 2025
Germany joins Cyprus, France, Italy, Malta, Spain, and more in paving the way for record-breaking night tourism in the EU, surpassing three billion nights in 2024, thanks to a 2.7% year-on-year growth. This remarkable achievement underscores the EU’s resilience and growing global appeal as a top tourist destination. With key players like Germany contributing to the surge, the increase in overnight stays highlights the continued recovery of the tourism sector, driven by both domestic travelers and international visitors seeking Europe’s rich cultural and natural offerings.
The European Union’s tourism sector reached a significant milestone in 2024, with the number of nights spent in tourist accommodation establishments exceeding 3 billion for the first time. This achievement highlights the resilience and continued growth of the EU’s tourism industry, despite global challenges. The total increase of 2.7% in 2024 compared to 2023 is a testament to the strength of the European tourism market and the growing global interest in European destinations.
As the EU marks this achievement, the role of several key member states stands out. Germany, along with countries like Cyprus, France, Italy, Malta, and Spain, has played a significant role in driving this growth. The rise in overnight stays in these countries reflects not only their tourism appeal but also the effectiveness of their tourism campaigns, investment in infrastructure, and the recovery of international travel post-pandemic. The record number of nights spent across the EU serves as a beacon of the sector’s resurgence and enduring popularity.
The Growth of EU Night Tourism in 2024
The number of nights spent across the EU in 2024 reached 3.02 billion, reflecting a 2.7% increase from the previous year. This rise in overnight stays is significant, particularly as it is the first time the EU has surpassed the 3 billion mark. The growth in 2024 represents a broader trend of recovery in global tourism and an increase in both domestic and international travel across the continent.
Breakdown of Accommodation TypesHotels and Similar Accommodation: The majority of overnight stays were in traditional hotels and similar accommodation, which accounted for 62.8% of the total nights spent. This category includes not only large hotels and resorts but also smaller boutique accommodations, hostels, and other hospitality offerings that remain popular with both international and domestic tourists. The continued preference for hotels underscores the importance of these establishments as a key pillar of the EU’s tourism infrastructure.Holiday and Short-Stay Accommodation: 23.7% of the total nights spent were in holiday homes, rented apartments, and other short-stay accommodation options. The rise of platforms like Airbnb has fueled this growth, with more tourists opting for unique and flexible lodging options. This trend has become particularly popular among families and travelers seeking more privacy and local experiences, away from traditional hotel settings.Camping Grounds and Recreational Parks: The remaining 13.5% of nights were spent in camping grounds, recreational vehicle parks, and trailer parks. This segment of the tourism market, often associated with more affordable travel, has remained robust due to the increasing demand for outdoor, nature-based tourism. In recent years, the growing interest in eco-tourism and outdoor adventure has boosted this category, particularly in regions with easy access to natural landscapes, beaches, and national parks.Leading Countries Driving EU Tourism Growth
Several countries have experienced significant growth in night tourism, with Cyprus, Malta, and Latvia standing out for their remarkable year-on-year increases.
Cyprus and Malta Lead the GrowthCyprus: Cyprus registered the highest growth in 2024, with a remarkable 14.5% increase in tourism nights compared to the previous year. This surge reflects Cyprus’s growing appeal as a Mediterranean destination, known for its stunning beaches, historical sites, and warm climate. The country’s targeted tourism campaigns, bolstered by new airline routes and improvements in infrastructure, have played a significant role in attracting both new and returning visitors.Malta: Malta followed closely behind, with a 14.4% increase in tourism nights. This island nation has become increasingly popular due to its rich cultural heritage, unique Mediterranean charm, and its prominence in the growing “island-hopping” tourism trend. With a strong focus on sustainable tourism and leveraging its UNESCO World Heritage sites, Malta has captured the attention of travelers seeking a blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty.Latvia’s Growth and Regional AppealLatvia: Latvia, with a growth rate of 7.4%, also saw a significant increase in overnight stays. The Baltic nation’s tourism sector has flourished in recent years, attracting visitors with its picturesque landscapes, vibrant capital city of Riga, and historical landmarks. Latvia’s continued investment in tourism infrastructure, including new hotels, transport links, and eco-tourism initiatives, has contributed to its growing popularity as a travel destination in Northern Europe.Countries with Declining Night Tourism
While many countries saw increases in tourism nights, a few faced slight declines. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including changes in travel preferences, economic conditions, or specific challenges faced by those markets.
Finland and France Experience DecreasesFinland: Finland saw a modest decrease of 0.7% in tourism nights compared to 2023. Despite being a popular destination for winter sports, nature-based tourism, and unique experiences like the Northern Lights, Finland’s overall tourism sector struggled with decreased international visitors in 2024. This decline may be linked to global travel disruptions, reduced international flights, or changes in consumer behavior as travelers increasingly sought more affordable or closer-to-home destinations.France: France, traditionally one of the world’s top tourist destinations, experienced a slight drop of 0.6% in overnight stays. Despite the country’s rich cultural heritage, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, and world-renowned cuisine, France’s tourism figures have faced some challenges in recent years. Economic factors, political unrest, and changes in international travel preferences may have contributed to this decline.The Dominance of Domestic and Intra-EU Travel
In 2024, the majority of tourism nights were made by domestic travelers within the EU. Domestic travel accounted for 51.9% of all overnight stays, totaling approximately 1.57 billion nights. This trend reflects the ongoing popularity of local tourism within the EU, particularly in light of the global pandemic that initially restricted international travel. Many Europeans have chosen to explore their own continent, discovering new cities, regions, and experiences within their home countries.
Domestic Travel Trends: In many EU countries, including Spain, Italy, and Germany, domestic travelers continue to form the backbone of the tourism industry. These nations have seen an increase in local travel as residents opt for staycations or short trips within their home countries, thanks to affordable transportation and increasing awareness of regional tourism offerings.
On the other hand, international tourism also continues to play a significant role in EU night tourism. International guests accounted for 48.1% of all overnight stays, totaling 1.45 billion nights. This reflects the EU’s continued appeal as a global tourism hub, attracting travelers from both neighboring European countries and far-flung regions across the world.
Intra-EU Tourism Dominates International Stays
The majority of international overnight stays (61.6%) were made by tourists from other EU countries. The ease of travel within the Schengen Area and the abundance of budget airline options have made intra-EU travel increasingly popular. Countries like Germany, Spain, and Italy remain popular choices for tourists from neighboring countries, with short travel distances and strong cultural ties fostering increased cross-border tourism.
Long-Haul International Tourism
While intra-EU travel dominates, long-haul international visitors also contribute significantly to EU tourism. Tourists from other European countries accounted for 21.3% of international stays, while North American visitors made up 7.5% of all international overnight stays. This highlights the growing interest from travelers in regions such as the United States and Canada, who continue to flock to Europe for its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and diverse landscapes.
Asian tourists accounted for 4.9% of international stays, with a steady increase in visitors from countries like China, Japan, and India. Central and South American travelers contributed 2.3% of international tourism nights, while Oceania and Africa accounted for 1.0% and 0.8%, respectively.
Seasonal Tourism Trends
Tourism in the EU is marked by distinct seasonal patterns, with certain months experiencing significant spikes in travel, particularly during the summer season. Nearly one-third of all tourism nights in 2024 occurred in the peak months of July and August, when the majority of Europeans take their vacations.
High-Season Popularity: Countries such as Croatia, Greece, and Bulgaria, with their warm climates, beach resorts, and cultural attractions, experience the most pronounced seasonality. These destinations see a surge in visitors during the summer months, leading to higher overnight stays and increased bookings in hotels and other accommodation types.Year-Round Popularity: In contrast, some countries, like Malta, Finland, and Germany, have seen more evenly distributed tourism throughout the year. These countries benefit from a steady influx of visitors year-round, with activities ranging from winter sports in Finland to cultural festivals in Germany and Malta.
The data from 2024 reflects the dynamic nature of the EU’s tourism industry, with record-breaking numbers of overnight stays and significant growth in key tourism markets. Germany, alongside countries like Cyprus, France, Italy, Malta, and Spain, has played a pivotal role in driving the sector forward. While some countries faced slight declines, the overall growth demonstrates the continued global appeal of European destinations.
Germany joins Cyprus, France, Italy, Malta, Spain, and more in driving record-breaking night tourism in the EU, surpassing three billion nights in 2024 due to a 2.7% growth in overnight stays. This surge reflects Europe’s continued appeal and the sector’s robust recovery post-pandemic.
The resilience of the EU tourism sector, coupled with increasing domestic and international travel, suggests a promising future for the industry. With diverse accommodation options, vibrant cultural experiences, and strong tourism campaigns, the EU is poised to remain a top destination for travelers worldwide. Understanding these trends will be crucial for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and tourism professionals looking to capitalize on this growth and sustain the momentum in the coming years.
