International travel across Europe is soaring, with nearly 600 million travellers crossing borders in 2024—marking an impressive 11.1% increase from the previous year. While perennial favourites like Spain, the UK, and Italy continue to draw large crowds, it is Eastern Europe that is making headlines for its rapid ascent.

Destinations such as Albania, Czechia, and Azerbaijan are experiencing double-digit growth in visitor numbers, a clear sign that traveller preferences are shifting. Expanded airline connectivity, changing economic landscapes, and a growing appetite for lesser-known destinations are driving this transformation.
Â
These trends underscore the need for industry players to stay ahead of the curve. In today’s fast-moving environment, understanding market data is no longer optional—it’s essential. Businesses that monitor these shifts and adapt accordingly will be best positioned to capture new opportunities and meet rising demand.
SOURCE AND GRAPHIC: IATA IMAGE©: FREEPIK