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[BUSINESS] · Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Germany · 76 sources

European tourism sector records strong growth and rising employment in 2026

A Mastercard report shows Europe now hosts six of the world’s ten most‑visited destinations, with Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Barcelona, Madrid and Frankfurt all seeing visitor surges. The region’s appeal is bolstered by cultural attractions, expanding high‑speed rail networks and a push for sustainable travel. Tourist spending on rail travel grew steadily between 2022 and 2025, now accounting for about 20 % of global rail‑related tourism expenses.

In Spain, tourism‑related employment rose 5.3 % in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 2.93 million jobs – 13.2 % of total national employment. The increase was driven by more indefinite‑term contracts and a decline in temporary work, with notable gains in accommodation, food‑service and transport sectors. Similar trends are reflected in the Valencian Community, which recorded a historic 12.4 million international visitors in 2025 and is implementing a tourism‑sustainability strategy that emphasizes social, economic and territorial balance.

Italy’s outdoor‑tourism segment – campers and caravans – generated €8.5 billion in turnover in 2025, underscoring the sector’s role in the broader European tourism recovery. Across the continent, tourists are favouring shorter, value‑for‑money trips, often travelling by car, and seeking less‑crowded destinations, with a growing share opting for “off‑the‑beaten‑path” locations.

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