Published on
August 22, 2025
By: Rana Pratap
Croatia joins Hungary, Türkiye, Malta, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland as new travel frenzy sweeps across Europe because its tourism industry is booming with record arrivals, expanded airline routes, and rising global demand for its Adriatic coast. When Croatia joins this group of top destinations, it is not just following a trend but proving its strength as a competitive hub in Europe. Like Hungary, Türkiye, Malta, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland, Croatia now benefits from cultural heritage, natural beauty, and affordability, which together explain why the new travel frenzy sweeps across Europe with such speed.
In fact, Hungary, Türkiye, Malta, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland are no longer alone in drawing travellers. Croatia joins them with rising demand for its coastlines, heritage towns, and islands. This means that when Croatia joins Hungary and the others, the travel frenzy sweeps across Europe in ways that show how fast tourism can grow. Moreover, Türkiye, Malta, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland all report surging tourist arrivals, and now Croatia joins this trend, proving that the new travel frenzy sweeps across Europe as one unified wave.
Travellers now see that Croatia joins Hungary, Türkiye, Malta, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland in offering affordable luxury, safe experiences, and natural beauty. As a result, the new travel frenzy sweeps across Europe with more choices, stronger competition, and greater excitement. Therefore, Croatia joins this circle at the right moment, and the new travel frenzy sweeps across Europe with energy that will reshape tourism for years.
Europe’s New Tourism Era
Europe is experiencing a travel boom unlike any seen in recent years. From Croatia to Spain, Greece to Portugal, and from Switzerland to Malta, Hungary, and Türkiye, the continent has entered a new age of record-breaking arrivals, hotel nights, and spending. In 2025, the figures prove that the appetite for European travel has surged to levels never imagined. The story is not only about numbers. It is also about how tourism is shaping economies, transforming cities, and reshaping the way countries prepare for their future.
Croatia: A Record Year
Croatia is celebrating a record year. By August 20, the country had already welcomed 15.5 million tourist arrivals and 79.2 million overnight stays, a 1% increase compared to 2024. Spending by tourists rose by more than 10%, showing that visitors are not only coming in greater numbers but also spending more. The central bank expects tourism revenues to hit €15.5 billion this year. Tourism makes up 20% of Croatia’s economy, and the government is working to turn the seasonal rush into year-round travel. With the Adriatic coast, historic towns like Dubrovnik and Split, and new efforts to extend the season, Croatia is becoming a heavyweight in Europe’s tourism map.
Croatia – Adriatic Beauty & Island Adventures
Places to Visit:
Dubrovnik Old Town – A UNESCO site with marble streets, Gothic palaces, and city walls overlooking the Adriatic.
Split’s Diocletian’s Palace – A Roman-era wonder filled with shops, bars, and museums.
Plitvice Lakes National Park – Famous for turquoise waters, 16 lakes, and hundreds of waterfalls.
Hvar Island – A glamorous island known for nightlife, lavender fields, and beaches.
Zagreb – The capital with neo-Gothic cathedrals, lively markets, and museums.
Things to Do:
Walk Dubrovnik’s medieval walls, take a cable car up Mount Srđ, cruise the Adriatic to the Elafiti Islands, hike trails in Plitvice, and enjoy Zagreb’s café culture. Foodies should not miss Dalmatian seafood and Istrian truffles.
Hungary: Rising Visitors and Longer Stays
Hungary’s accommodation statistics tell a strong story. In the first half of 2025, more than 8.2 million guests stayed in tourist establishments, generating 18.9 million nights. This is an increase of nearly 8% in arrivals and 5% in nights. Budapest remains a central attraction, with its mix of thermal baths, nightlife, and history. But beyond the capital, rural tourism and wine regions are growing. Hungary is focusing on expanding both the average stay length and the spending per visitor, making it a strong growth market within Central Europe.
Hungary – Thermal Baths, Castles & Wine Valleys
Places to Visit:
Budapest – Home to Buda Castle, Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Széchenyi Baths.
Lake Balaton – Central Europe’s largest lake with resorts, vineyards, and cycling routes.
Eger – A baroque town famous for its fortress and red wines.
Pécs – A cultural city with Roman ruins and early Christian tombs.
Things to Do:
Soak in thermal spas, take a night cruise on the Danube, taste Bull’s Blood wine in Eger, cycle around Lake Balaton, and attend Budapest’s famous ruin bars. Hungary combines history with a lively modern culture that travellers love.
Türkiye: Revenue Boom Outpaces Arrivals
Türkiye welcomed 26.4 million tourists in the first half of 2025, only a small increase compared to last year. But what stands out is the 22% jump in tourism revenues. This shows that Türkiye is attracting higher-spending visitors. Istanbul remains a global hub for culture and shopping, while Antalya and Bodrum continue to draw millions to their beaches. Cappadocia, with its unique landscapes, has become a symbol of experiential travel. Türkiye has also benefited from improved air connectivity and an increase in Middle Eastern and Asian travellers, which has boosted both numbers and spending.
Türkiye – Ancient Wonders & Coastal Escapes
Places to Visit:
Istanbul – The city where East meets West, with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
Cappadocia – Surreal landscapes with fairy chimneys, cave hotels, and rock churches.
Antalya – A resort city with beaches, Hadrian’s Gate, and old Kaleiçi district.
Pamukkale & Hierapolis – White travertine terraces with thermal pools and Roman ruins.
Ephesus – One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean.
Things to Do:
Shop in the Grand Bazaar, take a Bosphorus sunset cruise, fly in a hot-air balloon over Cappadocia, swim in Cleopatra’s Pool at Pamukkale, and sunbathe along the Turquoise Coast. Türkiye offers both history and modern leisure in one trip.
Malta: Double-Digit Growth
Malta has seen one of the fastest growth rates in Europe. In the first half of 2025, the island welcomed 1.81 million tourists, a 13.5% increase compared to 2024. June alone brought nearly 400 million euros in spending, proof of the strong appetite for Mediterranean island travel. Valletta, with its history and architecture, continues to attract cultural travellers, while beaches and festivals appeal to younger visitors. Malta’s strategy of diversifying its source markets and offering a blend of culture, adventure, and leisure has paid off. It is now one of Europe’s rising stars in tourism.
Malta – Islands of History & Crystal Waters
Places to Visit:
Valletta – The capital with St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Grand Harbour, and fortresses.
Mdina – The “Silent City” with medieval walls and narrow alleys.
Gozo – Known for Ġgantija Temples, beaches, and diving sites.
Comino – Home to the Blue Lagoon, a paradise for swimming.
Things to Do:
Wander through Valletta’s streets, enjoy harbour views, climb Mdina’s ramparts, snorkel in Gozo, and take a boat to Blue Lagoon. Malta blends prehistoric temples, knights’ fortresses, and Mediterranean beaches, making it a small but rich destination.
Spain: A Magnet for Millions
Spain remains one of the most powerful players in world tourism. In the first half of 2025, the country attracted 44.5 million international visitors, a rise of nearly 5% from 2024. Spending jumped to €59.6 billion, a remarkable increase of 7.5%. Even in June alone, more than 9.5 million tourists arrived, showing how strong the momentum is. Spain’s draw lies in its diversity. Visitors flock to Barcelona’s cultural scene, Madrid’s urban energy, and the beaches of the Balearic and Canary Islands. The government has focused on attracting higher-spending travellers and promoting sustainable practices, which means more income for local communities while protecting the environment.
Spain – Sun, Flamenco & Moorish Palaces
Places to Visit:
Barcelona – Gaudí’s Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter.
Madrid – Prado Museum, Royal Palace, and Plaza Mayor.
Seville – Alcázar Palace, Cathedral, and Plaza de España.
Granada – The Alhambra, Generalife Gardens, and Albaicín district.
Valencia – City of Arts and Sciences, beaches, and paella origins.
Things to Do:
Watch a flamenco show, taste tapas in Madrid, stroll along Las Ramblas, admire Moorish palaces, enjoy beach life in Valencia, and party in Ibiza. Spain offers both cultural depth and vibrant nightlife, making it a year-round hotspot.
Greece: Strong Receipts and Rising Demand
Greece has seen tourism receipts climb by more than 11% in the first half of 2025, reaching €7.6 billion. Airports across the country handled 342,828 flights between January and July, higher than last year. This reflects not only the continued popularity of iconic islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, but also the success of efforts to spread tourism across lesser-known areas. Greece has moved beyond being just a summer sun-and-sea destination. Cultural tourism, gastronomy, and year-round events are helping extend the season and attract higher-value visitors. Tourism is now one of the strongest pillars of the Greek economy.
Greece – Myth, Islands & Sunset Dreams
Places to Visit:
Athens – The Acropolis, Parthenon, and Ancient Agora.
Santorini – Iconic whitewashed villages of Oia and Fira.
Mykonos – Famous for nightlife, Little Venice, and windmills.
Crete – Knossos Palace, Samaria Gorge, and Mediterranean beaches.
Rhodes – A medieval old town with knights’ history.
Things to Do:
Climb the Acropolis, watch Santorini’s sunset, party in Mykonos, hike Samaria Gorge, swim in crystal-clear Aegean waters, and taste Greek mezze in seaside tavernas. Greece blends ancient heritage with island paradise escapes.
Portugal: Rising Nights and Expanding Reach
Portugal’s tourism accommodation sector reported 9.2 million guests and 23 million overnight stays in the second quarter of 2025. The first six months have seen steady growth, continuing the record-breaking trend from last year. Lisbon and Porto remain hubs of cultural exploration, while the Algarve’s beaches continue to draw millions. But Portugal’s success also lies in promoting wine tourism in the Douro Valley and nature tourism in Madeira and the Azores. The government has invested in air connectivity, sustainable tourism practices, and digital promotion, making Portugal a key part of Europe’s tourism growth.
Portugal – Wine, Surf & Fairytale Castles
Places to Visit:
Lisbon – Alfama, Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and Bairro Alto.
Porto – Ribeira district, Dom Luís I Bridge, and port wine cellars.
Algarve – Golden beaches, sea caves, and surfing hotspots.
Sintra – Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira.
Madeira – A lush island with mountains and levada walks.
Things to Do:
Ride Tram 28 in Lisbon, enjoy Fado music, taste port wine, surf in the Algarve, and hike in Madeira. Portugal combines fairytale castles, vibrant cities, and scenic coasts that draw millions of visitors each year.
Switzerland: Steady Growth Towards Records
Switzerland is on track for another record year. In the first half of 2025, hotels recorded 20.4 million overnight stays, up 1.4% from 2024. By July, analysts said the country could surpass last year’s all-time record of 42.8 million nights. Visitors come for the Alps, winter sports, summer lakes, and urban centres like Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne. Switzerland’s challenge has been balancing growth with sustainability. High-value tourism is at the centre of its plans, as the country focuses on offering premium services, luxury stays, and nature-friendly travel options.
Switzerland – Alpine Dreams & Lakeside Magic
Places to Visit:
Zurich – Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse, and Lake Zurich.
Lucerne – Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and Mt. Pilatus.
Interlaken – Gateway to Jungfrau region.
Zermatt – Home of the Matterhorn and ski resorts.
Geneva – Jet d’Eau, UN headquarters, and museums.
Things to Do:
Cruise on Lake Zurich, ride cogwheel trains to Jungfraujoch, ski in Zermatt, paraglide in Interlaken, and explore Geneva’s international heritage. Switzerland is where alpine adventure meets cosmopolitan elegance.
The Economic Impact
Together, Croatia, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Malta, Hungary, and Türkiye highlight the new reality of European tourism in 2025. Growth is no longer just about headcounts. It is about revenue, value, and sustainability. These countries are not only welcoming millions of visitors but are also rethinking tourism as a tool to strengthen economies. For some, like Croatia, Malta, and Greece, tourism contributes a large share of GDP. For others, like Switzerland and Spain, it is a driver of jobs, infrastructure investment, and global brand value.
Challenges Ahead
The tourism boom brings challenges. Overtourism is a risk for fragile heritage sites and small cities. Rising prices may test the balance between growth and affordability. Climate change is also shaping how destinations manage their seasons, with heatwaves already affecting southern Europe. These countries are working on solutions—spreading tourism to new regions, promoting off-season travel, and investing in sustainable infrastructure. The future of Europe’s tourism boom will depend not only on numbers but also on how well these nations manage growth responsibly.
Croatia joins Hungary, Türkiye, Malta, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland as new travel frenzy sweeps across Europe because its booming arrivals, coastal charm, and airline expansion make it one of the continent’s fastest-growing destinations. This surge shows why the travel frenzy sweeps across Europe with record demand and unstoppable momentum.
Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
The first seven months of 2025 have shown that Europe’s tourism is not slowing down. On the contrary, it is accelerating. Croatia has joined Spain, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Malta, Hungary, and Türkiye in achieving new records and redefining expectations. By the end of the year, Europe could set all-time highs in arrivals, nights, and revenues. More importantly, the continent is proving that tourism is central to its economic story. The new travel frenzy sweeping across Europe is not just about summer holidays. It is about how tourism will shape economies, cultures, and futures for years to come.
