by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 8:35 AM ET, Mon August 17, 2026
Europe continues to captivate hearts and minds, with the region enjoying one-third of all global leisure travel spending in 2025, according to a new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The new economic data comes from WTTC and Oxford Economics, and is sponsored by Chase Travel.
As global leisure travel spending hit $6.15 trillion across the globe, a 3.5% increase from 2024, Europe generated $3 trillion of it, equivalent to $1 in every $3 spent on leisure travel globally.
“With millions of travellers currently holidaying across the continent, it is essential that destinations continue investing in infrastructure, connectivity and sustainable tourism management to support future growth and maintain their global competitiveness,” said President & CEO of WTTC, Gloria Guevara. “The outlook for 2026 shows Europe is well positioned to continue leading global Travel & Tourism.”
Which Destinations Trend the Most?
While Europe enjoys global popularity, there are some destinations, particularly across the southern region, that capture the most travelers and spending.
These are some incredibly popular summer travel destinations: France, Spain, Italy and Türkiye. They enjoy strong demand, source markets from places like Asia and North America, and strong airline connectivity.
Leisure spending increased in France by 3.6% last year, while Spain and Italy grew 2.6% and 2.2%, respectively.
2026 Leisure Travel Spending Outlook
Europe’s travel spending growth is expected to grow 3.7% regionally this year, with Italy leading the way with a 4.7% increase in leisure spending.
Other major countries will also see spending growth, including Spain at 4.3%, Türkiye at 4.1%, and France at 2.6%.
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