The World Travel & Tourism Council’s latest Economic Impact Research shows Europe captured about one-third of global leisure travel spending in 2025, with travellers spending US$2 trillion across the region. Global leisure spending reached US$6.15 trillion last year, while leisure travel accounted for 80.5% of total travel expenditure.
The data points to continued strength in Europe’s summer travel market, with Italy, Spain, Türkiye and France among the main growth engines. WTTC president and chief executive Gloria Guevara described Europe as still setting the pace for global leisure tourism, citing the region’s strength, diversity and resilience.
For airlines, airports and tourism boards, the figures underline sustained demand across key European destinations and support planning for peak-season capacity, route development and visitor flows. Europe’s share of global leisure spending also keeps the region ahead of other travel markets as spending growth remains above the world average.