European tourism has exceeded the pre-pandemic level for the first time. In the first quarter of 2024 the number of tourists arriving in Europe increased by 2% compared to 2019.
According to the forecast of the World Tourism Organization, this year foreign travelers will spend in European countries about 800 billion euro, which is 37% higher than in the pre-pandemic year and 14.3% higher than in 2023.
The regions most affected by the COVID-19 epidemic were Central and Eastern Europe: in 2023, the number of tourists arriving there decreased by 27% compared to 2019.
The European tourism industry today is fueled mainly by international tourists, especially from the United States. Sporting events such as the Olympic Games in Paris or the Continental Football Championship have also contributed to the attractiveness of Europe for travelers from abroad.