European Tourism Sector Projects Major Growth by 2036
A new report from Accor forecasts significant increases in international arrivals and visitor spending across the continent.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Europe
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The European tourism accommodation market is expected to grow by 32% over the next decade. International visitor spending is projected to climb from €825 billion in 2026 to over €1.3 trillion by 2036.
Why it matters
Rising global prosperity and increased international mobility are fueling a sustained surge in travel demand. This trend is further supported by significant investments in tourism infrastructure across the region.
International accommodation nights are forecast to increase by 42% between 2026 and 2036, significantly outpacing the 24% growth expected in domestic travel. Business arrivals into Europe are also projected to rise by 50% during this same timeframe.
The players
Accor
A multinational hospitality company that commissioned the report on European tourism trends.
Tourism Economics
A global economic forecasting firm that provided the data used to project future travel patterns.
The details
Commissioned data from Tourism Economics highlights that 77% of all international arrivals in Europe by 2036 will still originate from within the continent. Emerging European countries are expected to see a 52% increase in departures over the next decade.
Timeline
2026 serves as the baseline year for current tourism spending and growth forecasts.
2036 is the target year for projected growth targets and tourism infrastructure outcomes.
Travel Outlook
The report highlights a broader shift toward international travel, with growth trajectories extending well beyond standard seasonal tourism fluctuations. This mirrors global patterns where rising middle-class prosperity in regions like Asia and the Middle East increasingly influences long-term infrastructure planning.
Travelers should anticipate higher competition for accommodation as international demand outpaces domestic growth over the next ten years. Budgeting for these trips will become increasingly important as visitor spending, particularly in dining and services, continues to climb.
The takeaway
The projected 72% increase in visitor food and beverage spending suggests that travelers should prepare for a significant rise in hospitality costs. Investors and planners are already adjusting to a decade-long cycle of infrastructure expansion to accommodate these millions of additional overnight stays.
Further reading
For more on evolving regional travel trends, explore our Europe section.
Live Poll
Do you believe the projected growth in international tourism will benefit your community's local economy?
