More positive news for the travel and tourism sector has emerged from the latest “Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel” Wave 22 report from the European Travel Commission (ETC).
Almost four out of five Europeans (77%) plan to travel between June and November 2025, which indicates strong demand despite economic uncertainty, the Commission says. What’s more 65% are opting for cross-border trips within the bloc, a 6.5% increase year-on-year.
The demand reflected in the report “remains high across all age groups” the ETC found, but is highest among Europeans aged 55 and over – a whopping 82% of whom are planning to travel. The positive sentiment is fairly consistent at well over 75% for all those over 35 years old, and even where it is lowest, among 18-24-year-olds, 66% are still planning a trip, despite economic barriers and time-constraints.
And an interesting statistic for agencies and tour operators alike is that more than half (55%) of travellers are seeking less popular, or less well-trodden destinations for their next trip.
While the Mediterranean predictably remains the most sought-after region this season, (with Spain on top and up 5% year-on-year to 13%, followed by Italy at 10%, France at 8%, and Greece at 6%), concerns about overtourism or encountering too many other tourists, are growing, up by 3%. In line with those concerns, finding a less crowded destination is now a priority for 11% of travellers, up 4% from last year.
Worries about crowds (as well as soaring summer temperatures) might also be behind a shift in seasonal preferences. Although school vacation times July and August remain the most popular months for trips, each chosen by 25% of Europeans, September is “a strong contender”, the ETC notes, with 22% of Europeans planning trips that month. Travelling outside the peak period also offers financial benefits.
Commenting on the findings, Miguel Sanz, President of ETC, said: destinations should be promoting “less crowded, off-the-beaten-track experiences, particularly during shoulder months” and “enhancing their sustainable marketing efforts aimed at European travellers.”
On the subject of sustainability, flying is still the most popular mode of transport (53%), thanks to its speed (27%) and affordability (21%) but car travel is becoming more prevalent, up 4% year-on-year to hit 32% and valued for its “flexibility, comfort, and easier access to locations not well served by public transport.”
And when it comes to expenditure, 62% of Europeans plan to keep their travel budgets steady through November 2025, while 22% expect to spend more — which the ETC says highlights the value they place on travel. However, it might also reflect travellers’ pragmatism about soaring prices. Research undertaken by a BBC travel show recently found that costs in eight out of the 10 most popular destinations for UK holidaymakers had risen, in some cases by more than 20% year-on-year.
