Home » Greece » Greece Travel News » Italy Joins Greece, Spain, and Sweden in Europe’s Thrilling Three Billion Overnight Stays Milestone—Discover Why 2024 Is the Year That Travel Across the Continent Reached New Heights of Success!

Published on
October 28, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Italy, greece, and spain, which saw a 4% increase

In 2024, Europe’s tourism industry achieved a significant milestone, recording a total of over three billion overnight stays in EU accommodation establishments. This marks a 2.7% increase from the previous year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and signaling a robust recovery and growth in the sector.

What Happened?

According to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, the increase in overnight stays reflects a resurgence in both domestic and international travel across Europe. The data indicates that Cyprus, Malta, Latvia, and Poland experienced the most significant growth, each reporting a 14% increase in overnight stays. These countries have capitalized on strategic investments in infrastructure and marketing, positioning themselves as attractive destinations for travelers seeking sun, culture, and unique experiences.

Other countries such as Italy, Greece, and Spain also saw positive trends, with a 4% increase in overnight stays. These destinations continue to draw visitors with their rich history, vibrant cultures, and Mediterranean allure.

Who Was Involved?

The surge in overnight stays involved a diverse mix of travelers:

  • Domestic travelers accounted for approximately 51.9% of the total overnight stays, equating to about 1.57 billion nights. This trend underscores a continued preference for local travel, with citizens opting to explore their own countries.
  • International visitors made up 48.1%, or about 1.45 billion overnight stays. Within this group:
    • 61.6% were from other EU countries, highlighting the strong intra-European travel dynamics.
    • 21.3% originated from non-EU European countries, such as the United Kingdom and Switzerland, indicating sustained interest from neighboring regions.
    • The remaining 16.4% came from further afield, with North Americans comprising the largest group from outside Europe at 7.5%, followed by Asians at 4.9%.

Where Did This Occur?

The increase in overnight stays was observed across various EU member states, with notable performances in:

  • Cyprus, Malta, Latvia, and Poland, each experiencing a 14% rise in overnight stays.
  • Italy, Greece, and Spain, which saw a 4% increase.
  • Finland, France, and Belgium, which reported slight decreases of 0.7%, 0.6%, and 0.3%, respectively.
  • Sweden, which remained stable with a modest gain of 0.3%.

These figures highlight the diverse tourism landscape in Europe, with some countries outperforming expectations while others face challenges.

When Did This Happen?

The data pertains to the year 2024, with the statistics released by Eurostat in October 2025. The figures encompass the entire year, providing a comprehensive overview of the tourism sector’s performance across Europe.

Why Did This Happen?

Several factors contributed to the growth in overnight stays:

  • Post-Pandemic Recovery: As travel restrictions eased, many travelers resumed their plans, leading to a surge in bookings across Europe.
  • Strategic Investments: Countries like Cyprus, Malta, Latvia, and Poland invested in infrastructure and marketing, enhancing their appeal to tourists.
  • Cultural and Natural Attractions: Destinations offering unique cultural experiences, historical sites, and natural beauty continued to attract visitors.
  • Economic Factors: A favorable exchange rate and competitive pricing made European destinations more attractive to international travelers.

However, some countries faced challenges:

  • Finland experienced a slight decrease of 0.7%, possibly due to weather conditions and a stronger euro impacting budget travelers.
  • France saw a minor dip of 0.6%, which may be attributed to domestic strikes and global events affecting travel plans.
  • Belgium and Sweden remained relatively stable, with modest gains of 0.3%, indicating a steady but unremarkable performance.

How Did This Impact the Tourism Sector?

The increase in overnight stays had several implications for the tourism sector:

  • Economic Boost: The rise in tourism contributed to economic growth, benefiting local businesses, hospitality providers, and service industries.
  • Employment Opportunities: The surge in travel led to job creation in various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and tourism services.
  • Sustainable Practices: The growth prompted discussions on sustainable tourism practices to manage the environmental impact and ensure long-term viability.
  • Infrastructure Development: The demand for accommodations and services led to further investments in infrastructure, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Summary

In summary, Europe’s tourism sector demonstrated resilience and growth in 2024, with a total of 3.021 billion overnight stays recorded across EU accommodation establishments. Countries like Cyprus, Malta, Latvia, and Poland led the way with significant increases, while others like Finland, France, and Belgium faced challenges. The overall positive trend underscores the strength of Europe’s tourism industry and its capacity to attract travelers from around the world.