The article reports on the growth of international tourism in Europe during the first half of 2026, noting a five percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. Despite geopolitical and economic uncertainties, European tourism continued to show strong results, with a four-point-eight percent rise in overnight stays. The report highlights that travelers have become more selective, prioritizing destinations perceived as safe, offering good value for money, and easily accessible. Greece, Italy, and Malta led the growth with increases of 38.3%, 21.1%, and 16% respectively. Northern Europe showed stronger results than other regions, while Southern and Mediterranean Europe maintained stable performance. The European Travel Commission (ETC) emphasized the importance of maintaining competitiveness and promoting more balanced distribution of tourists across regions and seasons.
Bias read (Center): The article presents data-driven findings from the European Travel Commission (ETC), focusing on statistical trends and market behavior without overtly endorsing or criticizing specific political positions. While the topic involves economic indicators and regional performance, which could be seen as






