This year, international travel expenditure within Europe is anticipated to increase by 11%, reaching $838 billion, as stated in a report from the World Travel and Tourism Council. The surge includes expectations for record-breaking tourist arrivals in countries like France and Spain.
The optimistic projection could be partly due to some travelers steering clear of the United States, with the WTTC anticipating a decrease in spending by international visitors in the country by around 7% this year.
Julia Simpson, the group’s CEO, stated at a press conference that due to President Donald Trump’s trade and immigration policies, as well as adverse currency exchange rates, residents of Canada and Mexico may choose not to visit the United States, suggesting instead “that more individuals will head to Europe.”
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), representing the private sector of the tourism industry, projected that travelers would increase their spending in Spain by 6%, equivalent to an additional 113.2 billion euros ($127.7 billion), compared to 2024. They also forecasted visitor numbers ranging from 98 to 100 million, surpassing the previous high of 94 million recorded last year.
Simpson stated that Americans will keep traveling overseas… and they will receive a warm welcome in Spain.
As per the WTTC, France is expected to attract more visitors than Spain, with the United States continuing as the dominant player in the global travel and tourism sector.
