European Travel Trends Shift Amid Climate and Economic Concerns
2921 Min Read
The European Travel Commission’s (ETC) recent survey reveals a nuanced shift in travel intentions among Europeans for the spring and summer of 2025. While 72% of Europeans plan to travel by September—a 3% decrease from the previous year—there’s a notable change in destination preferences and travel behaviors.
Interest in Southern and Mediterranean Europe remains significant, with 41% of travelers considering these regions. However, this represents an 8% decline from the previous year, attributed to concerns over rising temperatures and overcrowding during peak months.
The survey highlights demographic disparities in travel intentions. Travel enthusiasm among the 55+ age group remains high at 80%, whereas Gen Z shows a notable decline, with only 54% planning trips—a 10% drop from the previous year.
Shift Towards Alternative Destinations
There’s an emerging trend of travelers seeking less crowded and cooler destinations. Approximately 48% of Europeans intend to visit less touristy and off-the-beaten-path locations, indicating a move away from traditional hotspots.
Despite the slight decline in overall travel intent, those planning trips are opting for longer stays and higher budgets. About 42% plan to stay 7–12 nights, an 11% increase from the previous year, and 47% intend to spend over €1,500 per person—a 13% rise.
These shifts suggest that while overall travel may slightly decrease, the industry could see higher revenue per traveler due to increased spending and longer stays. Destinations and service providers may need to adapt by promoting alternative locations and experiences that align with evolving traveler preferences.
