- Europe travel and tourism forecast to grow 3.1pc in 2026
- International visitor spending projected to rise 5.8pc
- Business travel spending forecast to rise 4.2pc
- Global tourism projected to grow 2.5pc
- WTTC summit held in Valletta, Malta
Europe’s travel and tourism sector has been forecast to grow by 3.1pc in 2026. The projection was revealed at the World Travel and Tourism Council global summit in Valletta, Malta. The growth outpaces the wider European economy forecast of 1.1pc.
International visitor spending in Europe is expected to rise by 5.8pc. Leisure spending is projected to increase by 3.1pc. Business travel spending is forecast to rise by 4.2pc. Global tourism is projected to grow more slowly at 2.5pc. The sector expanded by 2.6pc in 2025.
Strategic priorities include accelerating digital visas and restoring multiple-entry processing. The report calls for bridging the investment gap after a $259bn investment pool in 2025. Destination stewardship aims to shift performance metrics from visitor volume to local value. Shared AI tools are proposed to route traffic during peak holiday intervals.
