[PDF] European Tourism Gets off to a Good Start Amid Uncertainty - Anciens Et Réunions

How much did European tourists spend in 2021 compared to 2020?

Tourists to the European Union in 2021 spent 30% more nights there than in 2020, but numbers are still down on pre-pandemic levels. Image: Eurostat Tourism in the EU increased in 2021 compared with 2020, when visitor numbers had halved. Image: Eurostat Arrivals of international tourists globally are creeping back from their 2020 lows.

How does tourism affect the EU economy?

The EU Member States' economies rely heavily on tourism, as it generates foreign exchange, supports jobs and businesses, and drives local development and cultural exchanges. Moreover, being closely linked with many other sectors (e.g. food production and transport), tourism also affects the GDP those sectors generate.

What do tourists expect from Europe?

A growing number of tourists prefer rural, local and regional destinations to crowded big cities. Some try to avoid flying. An increasing number of tourists expect a diversified and sustainable tourism offer that builds on Europe's rich geographical and cultural diversity.

Will Confidence affect the recovery of tourism?

Overall confidence could be affected and hamper the recovery of tourism. Based on the latest available data, global international tourist arrivals more than doubled (+130%) in January 2022 compared to 2021 - the 18 million more visitors recorded worldwide in the first month of this year equals the total increase for the whole of 2021.