Tourists Will Contribute a Record €800 Billion to Europe's Economy in 2024.

A new report from the European Travel Commission reveals that international tourists are projected to spend a record €800 billion in Europe in 2024, a 37% increase from pre-pandemic levels. Americans are driving this tourism boom, with 72% of the spending taking place in western European destinations. While southern European and Mediterranean destinations remain popular, there is a shift towards northern destinations with temperate weather and fewer crowds. Lesser-visited destinations in the south, such as Croatia, Malta, and Albania, are also experiencing increased tourist arrivals. Additionally, places with favorable currency exchange rates, like Bulgaria, Serbia, and Turkey, are growing in popularity. Europe scored higher than other regions in terms of online perceptions, with a score of 46 out of 100. However, overtourism in popular destinations has led to increased attention on under-the-radar locations. Encouraging tourists to visit these lesser-known places is important for spreading the benefits of tourism across Europe, especially for small businesses facing economic pressures. [Extracted from the article]

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