TRAVEL BUDGETS ARE INCREASING, THE MAP OF POPULARITY IS BEING REDRAWN
According to ETC's latest report, Spain has become the fourth most travel-enthusiastic country in Europe for the 2025 spring-summer season. While travel time and spending increase, traditional Mediterranean destinations are declining, and interest in Eastern Europe is rising.
European Tourists Seek New Routes: Spain in the Top 4
European Travel Commission (ETC) reports that Spain stands out as the fourth most travel-enthusiastic country in Europe for the spring-summer period of 2025, according to the Intra-European Travel Sentiment Monitor report. Following Poland (80%), the United Kingdom (79%), and the Netherlands (75%), 75% of citizens in Spain plan to travel in the coming months.
Travel Time is Increasing, Budgets are Growing
Although the intention to travel in Europe has generally decreased by 3 points to 72% compared to last year, tourists tend to extend their holidays and spend more. Across Europe, 42% of those planning a vacation in the summer of 2025 plan a stay of 7 to 12 nights. This represents an 11% increase compared to 2024.
Travel budgets are also increasing accordingly. 30% of participants plan to spend between 1,501 and 2,500 euros per person, while 17% expect to exceed 2,500 euros. These rates represent an increase of 7% and 2% respectively compared to 2024.
Decline in the Mediterranean, Increase in Eastern Europe
According to the report, while interest in Mediterranean countries decreased by 8%, there was an increase of approximately 1% in alternative routes such as Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Belgium, and Bulgaria. Travel intention in Eastern Europe increased by 3% year-on-year.
Nevertheless, the south of Europe and Mediterranean destinations will continue to attract 41% of European tourists this spring and summer season. While popular holiday towns and resort areas are preferred by 53%, 35% plan to turn to lesser-known spots.
Young People Invest in Luxury, Older People Invest in Comfort
Accommodation takes the largest share of travel expenses with 27%; food and beverage follows with 20%, and activities at the destination with 16%. The 18-24 age group prefers to spend more on shopping (15%) and luxury experiences (11%). Travelers over the age of 55 allocate more budget to accommodation (33%) and food and beverage (24%) with comfort-oriented preferences.
Decline in Financial Concerns
Financial concerns remain one of the main obstacles to travel across Europe. However, there is a gradual decrease in these obstacles. The rate of those worried about the increasing travel costs due to the impact of inflation decreased by 6% compared to last year to 17%, while the rate of those citing their personal financial situation fell to 14%.
According to ETC President Miguel Sanz, “These data underscore the strong desire of European tourists to travel. Vacation time, willingness to spend, and the motivation to discover new places indicate a strong return demand. This trend offers the opportunity to manage tourism with a more balanced distribution, not just limited to traditional centers.”
