Published on
December 8, 2025
urope is rewriting the rule book on global tourism — with the European Union (EU) emerging as the dominant force in travel revenue, led by powerhouse destinations like Spain, Italy and France. The EU collected 25.9 per cent of worldwide international tourism receipts in 2023, a share more than double what the United States secured that year.
Across European capitals, coastal towns and heritage‑rich cities, the rebound from the pandemic has delivered far more than just a return to normal — it has sparked a tourism renaissance of scale and velocity.
EU Grabs a Quarter of Global Travel Spending
New figures released by Eurostat reveal that in 2023 the EU accounted for nearly a quarter of all global international tourism receipts. Of that total, 15.2 per cent derived from tourism within EU countries, while 10.7 per cent came from visitors travelling from outside the EU.
This is a striking milestone for Europe’s tourism industry — signalling that despite global competition and shifting travel trends, the continent remains a top draw for global travellers.
Spain, Italy, France Lead the Surge
Behind the EU-wide surge, certain countries registered especially strong performance: Spain, Italy and France stand out as the heavyweights. In 2023, Spain alone recorded over 302 million overnight stays — the highest among EU nations. Italy and France followed, registering millions of nights spent by travellers across hotels, rentals and other accommodations.
These numbers reflect not only strong domestic tourism recovery but also robust inbound tourism — from across Europe and long‑haul destinations.
Nights Spent Hit Record Highs — Domestic and International Travellers Drive Growth
Overall, the total number of nights spent in EU tourist accommodation establishments reached around 2.9 billion in 2023, reflecting a sharp rebound in travel demand. That includes stays by domestic travellers and a growing share by international guests from outside Europe.
Notably, some regions — especially islands and coastal zones — recorded particularly high shares of foreign‑guest nights, highlighting their popularity with overseas travellers.
Travel Expenditure Rising: Europe’s New Goldmine
On average, Europeans spent €97.6 per night on trips involving overnight stays in 2023 — up substantially from 2022. Tourism expenditure across the EU surged — reflecting higher costs, increased demand, and longer or more frequent trips. The upward trend confirms that travel is not only recovering — but booming.
This surge in spending is supported by higher occupancy, more bed‑places (with expansions in accommodation capacity across Italy, France, Spain and Germany), and significant international tourist inflow.
What It Means — A Turnaround for European Travel & Economy
For the governments and tourism boards across Europe, this data is more than just a number. It signals a strong rebound of the tourism‑economy engine — lifting hospitality, transportation, retail and local economies that depend heavily on foreign visitors.
The rebound in overnight stays, combined with rising per-night spending, points to healthy demand for leisure, culture, heritage and coastal tourism — all backed by robust infrastructure and appeal.
Meanwhile, for travellers worldwide, Europe remains a top value proposition: visa‑friendly for many regions, rich in culture, heritage, cuisine and diversity — offering everything from Mediterranean beaches to Alpine vistas to cosmopolitan urban experiences.
Human Touch: Why This Matters to Real Travellers
For millions of travellers — families, couples, solo adventurers — these numbers mean renewed opportunity. Hotels and B&Bs across Europe have reopened fully, local businesses are buzzing, and the dream of an affordable, memorable European holiday is real again.
For 2023 and beyond, this surge shows Europe is not just back — it’s stronger. And for newcomers and seasoned travellers alike, this could be the moment to rediscover Europe’s timeless magic.
