{"id":268990,"date":"2025-07-17T09:47:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T09:47:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/268990\/"},"modified":"2025-07-17T09:47:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T09:47:09","slug":"spain-italy-france-and-greece-lead-the-growing-trend-toward-off-peak-travel-sustainable-tourism-and-the-rising-demand-for-quiet-lesser-known-destinations-that-are-shaping-the-future-of-european","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/268990\/","title":{"rendered":"Spain, Italy, France, and Greece Lead the Growing Trend Toward Off-Peak Travel, Sustainable Tourism, and the Rising Demand for Quiet, Lesser-Known Destinations That Are Shaping the Future of European Tourism"},"content":{"rendered":"

Home<\/a> \u00bb EUROPE<\/a> \u00bb Spain, Italy, France, and Greece Lead the Growing Trend Toward Off-Peak Travel, Sustainable Tourism, and the Rising Demand for Quiet, Lesser-Known Destinations That Are Shaping the Future of European Tourism <\/p>\n

Thursday, July 17, 2025<\/p>\n

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A Growing Commitment to Purposeful Travel<\/strong><\/p>\n

Europe\u2019s tourism outlook for mid to late 2025 is showing remarkable resilience and adaptability. Recent findings by the European Travel Commission<\/strong> reveal that an impressive 77% of Europeans<\/strong> are making plans to travel between June and November 2025<\/strong>. This statistic is particularly encouraging given the ongoing economic challenges many face across the continent. More than just a rebound, this trend reflects a shift toward travel that is thoughtful, intentional, and increasingly eco-conscious<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Travellers today are not simply looking to check destinations off a list; they are more mindful about the impact their journeys have on the environment and local communities. This evolution toward sustainable tourism<\/strong> represents a meaningful change in the way Europeans are approaching leisure and discovery.<\/p>\n

Travel Enthusiasm Across Generations<\/strong><\/p>\n

The desire to explore in 2025 extends widely across all age groups, proving that travel remains a shared passion regardless of stage in life. Among Europeans aged 55 and above<\/strong>, travel plans are at a high, with 82% intending to take trips<\/strong> during this period\u2014making them the most eager group. Those aged 35 and older<\/strong> also demonstrate strong intent, with over 75%<\/strong> planning to travel.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, younger adults aged 18 to 24<\/strong>, who often contend with time and budget constraints, are not far behind; 66%<\/strong> expect to travel. This suggests that despite economic pressures, younger Europeans continue to value travel as an important life experience and a way to broaden their horizons.<\/p>\n

These patterns signal that the tourism industry must increasingly customize offerings<\/strong> for a diverse clientele\u2014whether that means creating flexible, adventure-filled itineraries for youth<\/strong> or comfortable, leisurely packages for older travellers<\/strong>. Meeting these varied needs will be key to future growth.<\/p>\n

The Allure of Hidden Destinations<\/strong><\/p>\n

A standout development is the rising preference for less crowded, off-the-beaten-path locations<\/strong>. Over 55% of travellers<\/strong> now express interest in avoiding the usual tourist-heavy areas, favoring instead lesser-known locales where they can enjoy more authentic and tranquil experiences.<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, the Mediterranean region<\/strong> continues to be a magnet for European travellers. Spain<\/strong> has experienced a 5% increase in interest<\/strong>, making up 13% of planned trips<\/strong>, closely followed by Italy (10%)<\/strong>, France (8%)<\/strong>, and Greece (6%)<\/strong>. Despite this, concerns about overtourism<\/strong> have risen by 3%<\/strong> compared to the previous year. Consequently, 11% of travellers<\/strong> now seek out peaceful, less frequented spots\u2014up from 7%<\/strong> in prior surveys.<\/p>\n

This changing demand opens the door for less-explored regions across Europe<\/strong> to attract visitors seeking meaningful and sustainable travel. It urges tourism providers to focus on quality over quantity<\/strong>, developing offerings that promote conservation and local culture rather than mass tourism.<\/p>\n

September\u2019s Rising Popularity as a Travel Month<\/strong><\/p>\n

While the summer months of July and August<\/strong> remain the most popular, each accounting for 25%<\/strong> of travel intentions, September<\/strong> is quickly gaining traction with 22%<\/strong> of Europeans eyeing this month for their holidays. The appeal of shoulder-season travel<\/strong> lies in its combination of pleasant weather, thinner crowds, and more affordable prices.<\/p>\n

Travelling outside of peak periods benefits not only the visitor but also local destinations, easing pressure on infrastructure and allowing communities to sustain their tourism economies year-round. This trend provides the industry with a strategic opportunity to create targeted campaigns and special offers<\/strong> that encourage travel during shoulder seasons, smoothing out demand spikes and promoting more balanced tourism flows.<\/p>\n

Changing Transportation Preferences<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although air travel<\/strong> still dominates with 53%<\/strong> of Europeans planning to fly, its popularity is driven mainly by its speed (27%)<\/strong> and cost-effectiveness (21%)<\/strong>. Yet, the share of travellers opting for car journeys<\/strong> has grown by 4%<\/strong>, now making up 32%<\/strong> of planned travel.<\/p>\n

Many appreciate driving for the freedom it provides\u2014offering the ability to explore remote or less accessible areas<\/strong> at one\u2019s own pace. This mode of travel is especially appealing to families and older adults who prioritize comfort and flexibility. Furthermore, car travel aligns well with a broader desire for sustainable and independent tourism<\/strong>, allowing travellers to avoid crowded transit hubs and customize eco-friendly routes.<\/p>\n

Balancing Budgets and Travel Dreams<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite inflation and rising travel costs, Europeans remain committed to making trips a priority. About 62% of travellers<\/strong> plan to maintain their current spending on travel through November 2025, while 22% expect to increase their budgets<\/strong> for holidays.<\/p>\n

This resilience is notable given that popular destinations, particularly for UK tourists, have seen price surges exceeding 20%<\/strong> in just one year. These rising costs are nudging travellers to adapt by opting for shorter vacations<\/strong>, seeking out less expensive destinations<\/strong>, or selecting value-packed bundled offers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Some clear budget-driven trends include:<\/p>\n