Published on
September 1, 2025
By: Rana Pratap
By the first half of 2025, together with Spain, Iceland, Slovenia, Greece, Austria and More, among others, Portugal is once again part of the new record in the booming Europe tourism market. This booming tourism market demonstrates the increased willingness of international travelers to vacation in Europe and the increased expenditures in the region which in turn helps the local economies, hotels, and airlines. Spain and Portugal continue to take the lead in driving the demand for the Mediterranean, while Turkey and Greece still dominate the sun and sea holidays. Croatia, together with Iceland and other parts of the more northern region, proves that nature, culture, and new experiences are equally strong in driving this record tourism growth.
The first half of 2025 is different. This part of the story is not about Portugal alone. Spain, together with Turkey and Spain, Iceland, Slovenia, Greece, Austria and More, Portugal is once again part of a more broad European phenomenon. Revenues are increasing, overnight stays are going up, and there are record-breaking international arrivals. This diversification in the form of movements of the international tourism is spread across the coastlines, islands, and cities which show the resilience and diversity of the region.Beyond that, Europe’s new tourism boom shows the strength of the domestic and international markets. With longer stays and increased spending, the residents of Europe geotour their regions too. From the charming Portugal and sizzling Spain, to Turkey’s rich culture and Greek islands, the Croatian coast, and the Icelandic nature, every single one supercharges the momentum. Europe’s first half of 2025 like many shows unity, promises, and for the first time, a record-setting tourism boom.
Portugal’s Positive Growth
In the second quarter of the fiscal year 2025, the number of tourists visiting Portugal appears to have increased steadily. From April to June, Portugal recorded 9.2 million arrivals, 4.4% higher than the previous year. The number of overnight stays increased by 4.2% to 23 million. The value of overnight stays reached €2.0 billion which equates to an increase of 9.4% reflecting the growing strength of the economy.
While most overnight stays were recorded from foreign visitors, domestic tourists had a considerable contribution. Portugal also remains popular with foreign visitors since non-residents were responsible for 72.3% of total overnight stays. Growth was recorded in all regions of the country, with lower Alentejo and Madeira regions boasting record increases. Such results showcase Portugal’s growing international popularity alongside domestic demand.
Spain Surges with Record Arrivals
Like much of Europe, Spain is a powerhouse when it comes to tourism. In 2025’s second quarter, Spain welcomed over 27.5 million international travelers. On arrival numbers increased by 10.1% in April, 1.5% in May, and 1.9% in June. These numbers are certainly indicative of robust demand from key source markets like the UK, Germany, and France.
The spending from the tourism sector is even more astonishing. In the first part of 2025, international tourists to Spain spent €59.6 billion, reflecting a 7.5% growth than in the benograph of 2024. This indicates that international travelers that come to Spain spend fairly heavily. The hotels, the restaurants, and the transportation all over Spain are certainly reaping the rewards.
Greece Enjoys Double-Digit Growth in Spending
Among the most visited countries in Europe, Greece continues to bolster that reputation in 2025. In the first half of the year, receipts associated with the revenue generated from the tourism industry grew by 11%, amounting to 7.66 billion euros. Spending grew by nearly 18% in April and May combined and increased by 8.8% in June.
The growth is paid for by foreign clients as well as local inhabitants wanting to learn about their homeland. Greece’s tourism revenue even in tough times for the global economy reflects Greece’s growth. Spending on infrastructure tourism and advertising are beginning to yield dividends.
Turkey Shows Resilience with Record Revenues
As a transcontinental state, Turkey has also exhibited positive results. In the first half of the year 2025, Turkey hosted 26.39 million tourists, registering a growth of 1 percent relative to the same period last year. What makes Turkey unique is not only the amount of tourists but the amount they spent. The tourism revenues, amounting to $25.6 billion, is the highest amount recorded in the country.
This indicates that in spite of a slower growth rate in the number of arrivals, the spending power is substantial. Turkey’s record revenues are courtesy of luxurious beach resorts, cultural tourism, and city tours to Istanbul. The country is demonstrating that in tourism, value is just as essential as volume.
Croatia Breaks Records in June
Croatia is yet another one of the major success stories. In June of 2025, Croatia recorded 3.3 million visitors, which is a 13% increase from June 2024. Overnight stays increased to 16 million, which is a double digit increase as well.
Croatia’s first half of the year data shows a 4% increase in arrivals, as well as nights stayed over compared to 2024. This is a strong indicator of how Croatia is enhancing its image as a Mediterranean country known for its picturesque clear seas, towns chock full of history, and remarkable coastal beauty. Although the growth is primarily in the coastal areas, inland areas are also very much developing.
Iceland Maintains Strong Growth
Iceland’s wonders draw in globetrotting visitors from all parts of the world. According to the report from the quarter just completed, the previous months confirmed the trend, showing growth which provides a sample of the established pattern. In the year’s sixth month, the number of hotel nights sold increased by 9.4% relative to the figure from the corresponding month of the previous year.
A unique combination of magnificant glaciers, sparkling waterfalls, and roaring volcanoes provides the perfect backdrop. Limited supply is evident in the number of hotel nights sold, suggesting the country is responding positively to increased demand. The country’s tourism strategy, which seeks to combine a sort of reckless adventure with respect for the environment, is working to manage the country’s growth in popularity.
France Records Higher Overnight Stays
“Recent statistics confirm France’s position as a world tourism leader. In the second quarter of 2025, France and her overseas departments had a 6.1% increase in overnight stays in collective accommodation. Domestically, overnight stays rose by 5.2%, while the number of international visitors grew by 10%.
Paris, as well, the French Riviera, and départements like Normandy and Alsace shared the gains. France is a perennial favorite with each new season offering more events and new cultural festivals. The strong demand from both residents and overseas visitors reflect the intrinsic strength of the French tourism marketplace.”
Austria Reaches New Summer Records
Austria, like other countries, has also recorded great statistics, particularly in May, June and July of 2025 during the summer season. Between May and July, Austria achieved a staggering 21.9 million overnight bookings. This was an increase from the 2024 statistics, indicating a growth of 1.3% during the months of May and June.
Austria has earned a great deal of international recognition for its all year tourism capabilities. Tourists come for the cultural attractions and natural beauty of the Alps, winter skiing, summer hiking and music festivals, as well as numerous other activities throughout the entire year. This balance is a determinant of the steady growth in this industry.
Czechia Shows Clear Improvement
Prague’s geographic position within Czechia continues to flourish as well. Arrivals increased by 5.6% and overnight stays by 6.9% during the second quarter of 2025. This translates to 6.3 million visitors fueling 15 million overnight stays within the country.
The growth demonstrates the resumption of international travel along with persistent interest from neighboring European regions. Czechia’s rich history alongside its urban centers and reasonable rates makes it a highly sought-after travel location in the center of Europe.
Netherlands Attracts More Foreign Tourists
The Netherlands have also reported strong figures. In June 2025 foreign tourists arrivals reached 2.4 million and total overnight stays were 7.0 million compared to 5.5 million the previous year. This was the largest total since the pandemic.
Amsterdam retains the primary attraction for foreign tourists, although other cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague are gaining in popularity. The capital is being increasingly complemented by nature, cycle and culture tourism.
Switzerland Benefits from International Demand
Switzerland received a report of strong growth in hotel nights during the firs half of 2025 with a robust gain for the 2nd quarter. The count of foreign overnight stays reached 10.4 million which is a 3% growth relative to 2024
The unique combination of breathtaking alpine regions with world-class urban settings coupled with the enduring appeal of summer with year-round cities is proving to be a boon for the country. It is unmistakable that the country is receiving admiration from the posh section of the citizens from Europe, Middle East, and Asia.
Norway Achieves Record June
The statistics for Norway for June 2025 are the most impressive to date. 4.8 million guest nights were recorded which indicates an increase of 3.6 percent compared to June 2024. This is the highest figure for June in history.
There was an increase in the number of foreign travelers, with around a third of guest nights in May attributable to them. Norway’s fjords, mountains, and the midnight sun still command a powerful allure.
Malta and Slovenia Show Rapid Growth
Destinations such as Malta showcase remarkable results as well. Malta recorded 386,776 arrivals in June, marking an increase of 10.8% year on year. Spending by tourists increased considerably as well.
Mid-year statistics show that Slovenia, with around 795,000 arrivals and 2.0 million overnight stays, also recorded a 20% increase year on year in June. This level of growth borders on record figures, illustrating the heightened interest in Slovenia as a result of its natural scenery and rich culture.
Portugal unites with Spain, Iceland, Slovenia, Greece, Austria and More in a new record breaking tourism boom in Europe in the first half of 2025 because soaring arrivals, higher overnight stays, and strong travel spending have lifted revenues and set new growth records across the continent.
A Continental Rise
The confirmed data for the first half of 2025 shows that Europe is currently experiencing a surge in tourism. Portugal, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Iceland, France, Austria, Czechia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, Malta, and Slovenia each noted an increase in at least one of the following: arrivals, overnight stays, or income.
Spain and Portugal, along with other countries like Turkey and Greece, show a strong surge in spending. Iceland and Slovenia are smaller countries that prove less significant destinations can perform well internationally.
The tourism industry in Europe is without a doubt thriving. The growth in the industry is unprecedented in revenue, overnight stays, and demand from abroad. It shows diversity, resilience, and the continuous appeal of Europe as a travel destination.
