The European Travel Commission Reports reveals a strong growth in international tourism during the summer season reflecting a strong resilience of the sector that encouraged the economic condition in Europe’s major source markets.
The international tourist arrivals to Europe grew 8% during the first 8 months as compared to the same period last year according to the latest European Travel Commission’s European Tourism 2017-Trends & Prospects.
It was found that 32 out of 34 destination saw increase in tourist arrivals despite the lingering security concerns and the geopolitical tensions and more than half enjoying the double-digit growth.
Despite concern regarding accommodation capacity and infrastructure constraints Iceland maintained its momentum while destinations which were affected by safety challenges were recovering. Russian outbound flow showed an impressive growth in Turkey while Belgium also saw a healthy growth.
Southern/ Mediterranean destination like Slovenia, Serbia, Cyprus and Malta were among the top performers.
Spain reported a 10% increase in visitor arrival, showed a strong resilience to the August terror attacks in Barcelona.
Eduardo Santander the Executive Director of the European Travel Commission said that European tourism demand was set on an upward trajectory. Despite safety and geopolitical challenges the momentum is expected to mark the eight consecutive year of growth. In order to sustain growth tourism stakeholders will have to unite efforts and develop initiatives to strengthen the European tourism industry.
Around 3 in 4 destinations showed growth from the UK year-to-date while the weakened pound did not deter the holidaymakers to travel internationally.
After years of decline the Russian travel flows to Europe recovered, among 33 destinations all but one enjoyed rebound from this market.
Turkey showed the greatest growth (+800%) after Russia lifted the travel restrictions of its citizen visiting Turkey.
The Chinese economy along with the rapid expansion of the middle-class stimulated outbound travel, arrivals from China saw an estimated growth of 17% in 2017.
The transatlantic trips were fueled with a 14% increase in arrivals, the Indian travel to Europe delivered a solid performance. Positive consumer confidence and private consumption boosted the travel demand and increased the importance of India as a source market.
