Confirmed flight bookings to Europe are holding steady even as fewer overseas travellers plan to visit this autumn, according to the latest research from the European Travel Commission (ETC) and Interrail.
The Long-Haul Travel Barometer 3/2026 examines travel intentions for September to December across seven markets: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea and the United States.
Half of respondents intend to take an overseas trip during the period, down from 55% last year. Interest in visiting Europe has declined alongside this, from 38% to 34%, leaving the continent with roughly two-thirds of overall long-haul travel intentions.
Fewer prospective visitors, but firmer plans
Across the surveyed markets, 17% of all respondents have already booked flights to Europe, unchanged from last autumn.
However, because fewer respondents are considering a European trip, confirmed bookings now represent 52% of prospective visitors, compared with 42% a year earlier. The increase therefore reflects a greater commitment among those planning to travel, rather than growth in the overall share of respondents with bookings.
China remains the most interested market, with 54% planning a European trip. Some 37% of Chinese respondents have already booked tickets, up from 33% last year.
Brazil follows with travel intentions at 45%. South Korea recorded an increase from 33% to 36%, although ETC notes that the change is not statistically significant.
The findings follow earlier evidence of European tourist arrivals rising despite geopolitical tensions, while travellers place greater emphasis on affordability and value.
Cost remains the biggest obstacle
High travel costs remain the leading deterrent, cited by 44% of respondents who are not planning a long-haul trip, five percentage points fewer than last year.
Among those travelling overseas but choosing destinations outside Europe, 30% identify cost as a barrier to visiting the continent, down 12 percentage points. A preference for another region and limited holiday time also influence decisions.
Most prospective visitors plan stays of one to two weeks, with the largest group budgeting €100 to €200 per person per day.
Two-thirds plan to explore several countries
Some 66% of prospective visitors intend to combine two or more European countries, with the average itinerary covering 2.7 countries.
Rail features prominently in these plans: 40% expect to use rail passes and 39% point-to-point tickets. Flights remain popular, with 45% considering low-cost airlines and 44% full-service carriers. Europe’s expanding autumn and winter flight connections provide further options for reaching and exploring the continent.
First-time visitors account for 53% of prospective arrivals, rising to 61% among Chinese travellers and 57% among Americans.
ETC President Miguel Sanz said connectivity and shared travel systems help reinforce Europe’s appeal as a collective destination, making cooperation between countries central to its international promotion.
The survey uses a new data collection panel. ETC says it has reviewed long-term trends across all markets and found them consistent with previous editions.
