European Travelers Are Escaping Overtourism

European travelers are increasingly turning to lesser-known destinations.

According to a new study by the European Travel Commission (ETC), 91% of European travelers prefer to travel within the continent—and more and more of them are planning to visit off-the-beaten-path locations rather than traditional tourist hotspots.

The research surveyed travelers from the UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, France, and Spain.

Spain tops the list of preferred destinations with 13% of travelers planning a visit. Italy follows with 10%, France with 8%, and Greece with 6%.

ETC's latest report shows that 77% of Europeans plan to take at least one trip between June and November this year.

In addition to avoiding crowded tourist hubs, a growing number of travelers are choosing to travel during shoulder seasons—typically around September—between peak spring and fall travel periods.

The shift is also being driven by an increase in low-cost, short-haul flights, improved connections and routes, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty outside Europe, especially in the Middle East.

Source: Euronews 2025

Image: Canva