Spain Aligns with Italy, Greece, Norway and Portugal as Intra-European Travel Intentions Surge Across Europe for 2026, Driving Regional Holidays, Sustainable Tourism Choices, Climate-Aware Travel Planning and Stronger Demand for Mediterranean and Emerging Destinations

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Europe’s travel industry is entering the second half of 2026 with renewed confidence as regional tourism demand reaches one of its strongest levels in recent years. Fresh findings from the European Travel Commission reveal that an overwhelming majority of Europeans intend to travel between June and November, highlighting a resilient tourism market despite inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and evolving climate challenges. The latest sentiment reflects how travel remains a top lifestyle priority, with millions of Europeans planning multiple holidays and increasingly choosing destinations closer to home. Southern Europe continues to dominate holiday preferences, while lesser-known destinations are steadily gaining attention from travellers seeking authentic experiences and fewer crowds.

The evolving travel landscape also demonstrates significant changes in how Europeans make holiday decisions. Safety, value for money, pleasant weather, sustainability, and climate resilience now influence destination selection as much as traditional attractions. Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Italy, France, Greece and Portugal continue attracting visitors through their beaches, cultural heritage, gastronomy and vibrant cities, while destinations like Norway benefit from growing demand for cooler climates and nature-based experiences. Together, these trends illustrate a tourism sector adapting to changing traveller expectations while supporting regional economies and strengthening intra-European connectivity.

European Travel Intentions Reach Their Highest Levels for 2026

According to the European Travel Commission’s latest Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel (Wave 25), travel confidence has strengthened considerably compared with the previous year. Around 81% of Europeans plan at least one holiday between June and November 2026, representing a four-percentage-point increase year over year.

The report also highlights that travellers aged 45 to 54 show the strongest travel intentions, with 86% planning holidays during the period. Meanwhile, more than half of respondents expect to take two or more trips, reflecting the continued importance of leisure travel across Europe.

The findings demonstrate that regional tourism continues outperforming expectations as travellers prioritize nearby destinations that offer convenience, flexibility and familiar travel regulations.

Southern Europe Continues to Dominate Holiday Preferences

Mediterranean destinations remain the biggest beneficiaries of Europe’s growing travel appetite. Around 61% of travellers intend to visit Southern or Mediterranean Europe during the travel season.

Spain leads destination preferences, followed closely by Italy, France and Greece. Portugal also remains a highly attractive option for visitors seeking coastal holidays, cultural experiences and year-round sunshine.

These destinations continue benefiting from their combination of beaches, historical attractions, culinary tourism, festivals, luxury resorts and well-developed tourism infrastructure.

Regional Holidays Continue Replacing Long-Haul Travel

One of the most significant trends emerging from the latest survey is the growing preference for holidays within Europe.

Approximately 64% of Europeans intend to remain within the continent for their vacations. This shift reflects several advantages, including easier transportation, reduced travel costs, shorter flight times and increased flexibility when planning multiple holidays throughout the year.

Regional travel also supports Europe’s broader tourism economy by distributing visitor spending across member states while strengthening domestic and neighbouring tourism markets.

Lesser-Known Destinations Gain Momentum

Although Europe’s iconic tourism hotspots continue attracting millions of visitors, many travellers are increasingly exploring quieter alternatives.

The survey shows that 52% of respondents prefer visiting lesser-known destinations instead of major tourism centres.

Several factors explain this trend.

Travellers are increasingly searching for authentic cultural experiences, natural landscapes, smaller communities and reduced congestion, creating new opportunities for secondary tourism destinations across Europe.

Safety, Value and Weather Shape Holiday Decisions

Traveller priorities continue evolving beyond traditional sightseeing.

Safety has become the most influential factor when selecting a destination, followed by weather conditions and attractive travel deals. Rising travel costs and household finances remain significant considerations for many European families planning holidays.

These findings demonstrate that travellers are carefully balancing budget considerations with overall travel quality and destination security.

Climate Change Is Reshaping European Tourism

Climate adaptation has become one of the defining characteristics of European travel planning in 2026.

More than three-quarters of respondents indicate that climate considerations now influence their holiday choices. Many travellers actively seek destinations with cooler temperatures or avoid locations expected to experience extreme heat during peak summer months.

Others monitor weather forecasts before finalizing bookings or remain prepared to alter travel plans if severe weather warnings emerge.

The growing demand for northern destinations such as Norway reflects this changing behaviour, as travellers increasingly value comfortable temperatures, outdoor recreation and nature-focused tourism experiences alongside traditional Mediterranean holidays.

Geopolitical Developments Continue Influencing Travel Confidence

International events also continue shaping travel decisions throughout Europe.

Concern regarding instability in the Middle East has increased significantly compared with last year, while ongoing concerns surrounding the conflict in Ukraine remain present among many travellers.

Despite these geopolitical uncertainties, confidence in European travel remains remarkably resilient, demonstrating the strength of the region’s tourism infrastructure and the continued appeal of cross-border holidays.

Air travel continues to dominate transportation preferences despite increased fuel costs and higher airline fares, reflecting travellers’ willingness to prioritize convenience and accessibility.

Summer Travel and Spending Remain Strong

Summer continues to represent Europe’s busiest tourism period, with June through September attracting the overwhelming majority of planned holidays.

Demand for June departures has increased compared with the previous year, suggesting that travellers are increasingly seeking early-summer vacations to avoid peak-season congestion and extreme temperatures.

Spending intentions remain stable despite inflationary pressures.

The preferred spending range indicates continued consumer confidence while emphasizing value-conscious travel planning.

Outlook for Europe’s Tourism Industry

The latest European Travel Commission findings point toward another successful tourism season driven by resilient consumer demand, strong regional connectivity and evolving traveller preferences. While economic pressures, climate risks and geopolitical developments continue influencing decision-making, Europeans remain committed to exploring destinations across the continent.

Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Portugal and Norway are well positioned to benefit from growing demand as travellers increasingly prioritize regional holidays, sustainable tourism, authentic experiences and climate-conscious travel planning. As tourism businesses adapt through diversified offerings, responsible destination management and improved visitor experiences, Europe is expected to maintain its position as one of the world’s strongest and most dynamic regional travel markets throughout 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What percentage of Europeans plan to travel in 2026?
Around 81% of Europeans plan to travel between June and November 2026.

2. Which European destinations are most popular for 2026?
Spain, Italy, France and Greece remain the most preferred destinations, with Portugal also attracting strong demand.

3. Why are regional holidays becoming more popular?
Travellers prefer shorter journeys, lower travel costs, greater flexibility and easier travel within Europe.

4. Are Europeans taking multiple holidays in 2026?
Yes. More than half of surveyed travellers expect to take two or more trips during the travel period.

5. What is the biggest factor influencing destination choice?
Safety remains the most important consideration, followed by weather and travel value.

6. How is climate change affecting travel decisions?
Many travellers now choose cooler destinations, avoid extreme heat and monitor weather forecasts before booking.

7. Are lesser-known destinations becoming more popular?
Yes. More than half of European travellers now prefer off-the-beaten-path destinations over crowded tourism hotspots.

8. What is the average travel budget for Europeans in 2026?
The most common travel budget ranges between €1,500 and €2,500.

9. Which transport option remains the most popular?
Air travel continues to be the preferred mode of transport despite rising operating costs.

10. What does the 2026 outlook suggest for European tourism?
The outlook remains highly positive, with strong regional demand, increasing travel confidence, sustainable tourism growth and continued expansion of intra-European holidays.