Increase in EU tourism: overnight stays up 7% in first quarter

09-06-24

Overnight stays in tourist accommodations in the European Union (EU) experienced significant growth in the first quarter of the year, increasing by 7% to 452.6 million compared to the same period in 2023, according to data published by the EU statistics office, Eurostat.

In detail, January recorded 133.9 million overnight stays, up 3% compared to January 2023. February saw an increase of 6% with 149.2 million overnight stays, and March culminated with 169.5 million, marking a 9% increase.

The data also reveals that 45% of stays during these three months were by foreign tourists. However, this percentage varies significantly between EU countries. Malta recorded the highest percentage of overnight stays by foreigners at 91%, followed by Cyprus (87%), Luxembourg (82%) and Austria (78%).

In contrast, Poland had the lowest percentage of foreign guests with 19%, followed by Romania and Germany, both with 20%.

In addition, stays by foreign tourists increased by 11%, outpacing the growth in domestic stays, which was 4%. The largest increases in foreign overnight stays were observed in Cyprus (23%), Croatia (22%), Malta and Luxembourg (both 21%). On the other hand, the smallest increases were recorded in Lithuania, Poland and Greece, with 3% in each case.

These data reflect a positive trend in tourism within the EU, highlighting the recovery and growth in the post-pandemic tourism industry.