Slovenia Joins Croatia, Austria, Greece, Malta, Latvia and Poland to Dominate European Tourism Surge in Arrivals and Overnight Stays in 2025, Find Out Which Countries Are Set to Explode!

Published on November 24, 2025

In 2025, Slovenia has joined forces with Croatia, Austria, Greece, Malta, Latvia, and Poland to lead an incredible tourism surge across Europe. These countries are witnessing an explosive rise in tourist arrivals and overnight stays, setting them apart as top destinations for global travellers. Slovenia’s stunning landscapes and eco-tourism appeal have contributed to its growth, while Croatia continues to thrive with its vibrant culture and coastal beauty. Austria, with its rich history and picturesque Alps, has also seen significant growth. Greece, known for its ancient heritage and islands, remains a top favourite.

Meanwhile, Malta, Latvia, and Poland are surprising many with their own incredible tourism booms. Together, these nations are creating a powerful tourism movement that promises to dominate European travel. Keep reading to discover why these countries are set to explode in popularity!

Slovenia: A Hidden Gem for Global Travellers

Slovenia has become one of the rising stars in the European tourism sector. In the first nine months of 2025, Slovenia reported a 6% increase in tourist arrivals and overnight stays. This surge comes after a successful marketing campaign promoting the country as a sustainable and off-the-beaten-path destination. It’s not just about the numbers. The country is also seeing a shift in the types of travellers choosing Slovenia. More visitors from abroad are staying longer, which highlights the growing appeal of Slovenia as a year-round destination.

Croatia: A Top Destination for Summer Escapes

Croatia has consistently been one of the most popular European destinations for beach lovers and history buffs. In September 2025, Croatia recorded an impressive 5.7% increase in tourist arrivals, with foreign visitors accounting for a significant portion of the growth. Overnight stays also saw a 6.3% rise in the same month. This shows that more tourists are choosing to stay longer, a sign of satisfaction and growing interest in the country’s stunning coastlines, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and vibrant cultural experiences.

Croatia’s strong performance continues across the year, with an annual increase of 2.3% in arrivals and 1.2% in overnight stays through the first nine months of 2025. With its affordability and stunning natural beauty, it’s no wonder Croatia remains a top choice for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Austria: Strong Recovery in 2025

Austria is one of the few countries that experienced a significant surge in tourism in September 2025. The country saw a 7.4% increase in arrivals and a 7.2% increase in overnight stays. These figures are a testament to Austria’s world-class attractions, including the cultural capital Vienna, the alpine resorts in Tyrol, and the charming cities of Salzburg and Innsbruck. The growth is also driven by the increasing number of foreign visitors. In fact, foreign tourists were responsible for 2.74 million of the arrivals and a majority of the nights spent in the country’s hotels and accommodations.

Despite the surge in 2025, Austria’s annual growth is more modest, with a 1% increase in total overnight stays across the first three quarters of the year. This highlights that while September was a particularly strong month for Austria, the overall growth in tourist traffic has been more gradual.

Greece: A Modest but Steady Tourism Recovery in 2025

Greece, one of Europe’s most beloved tourist destinations, has shown a steady recovery in 2025, with slight but promising growth in both tourist arrivals and overnight stays. In September 2025, Greece recorded a 0.7% increase in arrivals, totalling 5.1 million, while overnight stays grew by 0.9%, reaching 23.3 million. Although these numbers are modest compared to other European destinations like Croatia or Austria, Greece remains a key player in European tourism. Foreign visitors accounted for the majority of the growth, with an increase of 0.5% in arrivals and a 0.8% increase in stays.

Meanwhile, Greek residents also contributed to the recovery, showing a 1.6% increase in arrivals and a 2.3% rise in overnight stays. The country’s picturesque landscapes, rich history, and stunning islands continue to captivate tourists, keeping Greece firmly on the map for global travellers in 2025.

Malta: A Surprising Leader in Tourism Growth

When it comes to unexpected success stories, Malta has emerged as a true powerhouse in 2025. In the first half of 2025, the tiny island nation reported an astonishing 12.7% increase in overnight stays, making it one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Europe. This surge is particularly impressive for a country that, although rich in history and culture, is often overshadowed by larger European destinations.

Malta’s tourism boost can be attributed to its combination of historic charm, stunning beaches, and affordable travel options. With a strong marketing push and an appeal to tourists seeking both culture and relaxation, Malta has become a highly desirable destination for both short and long stays.

Latvia: Seeing a Surge in Visitors

Latvia, often overlooked by mainstream tourists, has also seen significant growth in 2025. In the first half of the year, the country reported an 8.6% increase in overnight stays. The capital city, Riga, is becoming increasingly popular for its art nouveau architecture, rich cultural scene, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors are not just arriving in Latvia; they are choosing to stay longer, with more tourists opting for extended trips to explore the country’s forests, beaches, and rural landscapes.

This rise in overnight stays is indicative of a broader trend in European tourism—where visitors are seeking out less crowded, more authentic destinations. Latvia offers a unique blend of history, nature, and modern charm, making it an appealing option for both regional and international tourists.

Poland: A Hidden Gem for Longer Stays

Poland is another country that has seen a notable rise in overnight stays in 2025, with an 8.5% increase in the first half of the year. While Poland is already a popular destination for city breaks, with cities like Kraków, Warsaw, and Gdańsk attracting thousands of visitors each year, the increase in overnight stays signals a growing interest in longer visits. Poland’s rich history, fascinating museums, and affordable travel options make it a favourite for those looking to explore European culture without the hefty price tag.

Poland’s combination of city life, historical landmarks, and natural beauty means there is plenty for tourists to see and do, encouraging longer stays. Whether it’s visiting the Tatra Mountains or exploring the medieval towns, Poland is proving to be a popular and enduring destination for international tourists.

Czechia: Steady Growth for a Central European Favourite

Czechia, also known as the Czech Republic, continues to enjoy steady growth in tourism. In the third quarter of 2025, the country recorded a 1.4% increase in tourist arrivals and a 1.0% increase in overnight stays. Although these figures are more modest than some of the other countries mentioned, they still represent a positive trend. Most notably, foreign tourists contributed significantly to the increase in overnight stays, up by 3.4% compared to the same period in 2024.

Czechia’s popularity has been rising steadily due to its mix of vibrant cities like Prague, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene. The country has also been capitalising on the trend of eco-tourism and city breaks, making it a popular choice for European travellers.

Why Are These Countries Seeing Growth?

Several factors contribute to the surge in arrivals and overnight stays across these countries. Firstly, the recovery from the pandemic has led to pent-up demand for travel. People are eager to visit new destinations after years of restrictions. Secondly, the destinations mentioned have strong tourism infrastructures and offer a variety of attractions that cater to different types of travellers—whether it’s beach vacations in Croatia, cultural city breaks in Austria, or eco-tourism in Slovenia.

Another key factor is the rise of sustainable tourism. Many countries, like Slovenia, have successfully marketed themselves as eco-friendly destinations, attracting travellers who are more conscious of their environmental impact. This has helped countries position themselves as long-term destinations, offering more than just a fleeting vacation but a chance to experience something authentic and unique.

The Global Tourism Trend: More People Are Staying Longer

A key trend in global tourism is that more people are choosing to stay longer in their chosen destinations. This is evident from the data in several countries, including Greece, where overnight stays increased by 0.9% in September 2025 compared to the previous year. The average stay in these countries is also rising, with tourists opting for more extended stays in order to explore the local culture and enjoy a more relaxed pace of travel.

This trend of longer stays could be linked to the rise of digital nomadism—where people are working remotely and travelling at the same time. Many destinations are offering attractive work and travel packages, making it easier for travellers to stay longer while still working remotely.

A Promising Future for European Tourism

The increase in tourist arrivals and overnight stays in countries like Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, Malta, Latvia, Poland, and Czechia shows a positive trend for the tourism industry in 2025. These countries are capitalising on their unique offerings and creating an environment where tourists feel welcome, engaged, and eager to stay longer.

While the growth may vary from country to country, the overall trend is clear: tourism is bouncing back, and many countries are seeing more visitors than ever before. This bodes well for the future of global tourism as people continue to explore new destinations, seeking both relaxation and adventure.

For those looking for the next great travel destination, these countries offer a perfect mix of culture, natural beauty, and a warm welcome that is sure to make every trip unforgettable.

Source: Tornos News