Published on
November 7, 2025
Germany saw a +0.2% increase in overnight stays in the first half of 2025, joining Poland, Belgium, Finland, Malta, Romania, and more in skyrocketing European tourism with foreign hotel bookings. This modest growth marks Germany’s continued appeal as a popular travel destination, despite a slight decline in foreign overnight stays. However, the overall tourism sector in Europe is experiencing a significant rebound, with countries like Finland and Malta leading the charge in attracting international visitors. Malta recorded the highest increase in overnight stays in the EU, with a remarkable +12.7% rise, driven predominantly by foreign travelers. Poland, Belgium, and Romania also saw steady increases, highlighting the continent’s dynamic tourism recovery. As foreign visitors continue to shape the region’s travel landscape, European destinations are seeing a surge in hotel bookings, signaling a broader trend of sustained interest in Europe as a top tourism hub. Here’s everything you need to know about the tourism growth in these European nations and the impact of international visitors on their hotel markets.
Germany: A Subtle Growth in Overnight Stays Amidst Domestic Resilience
Germany recorded a modest increase of +0.2% in overnight stays during the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year. However, foreign visitors accounted for only 18.5% of all overnight stays, reflecting a smaller reliance on international tourism. The country experienced a decline of -2.9% in foreign overnight stays, indicating that international tourists were slightly less active in Germany. Meanwhile, domestic overnight stays showed slight growth, contributing to a more stable tourism sector. While Germany remains a popular destination, its reliance on domestic visitors appears more pronounced in 2025.
Poland: Emerging as a Top Tourist Destination with Steady Growth
Poland recorded an 8.5% increase in overnight stays in the first half of 2025, with foreign visitors accounting for 19.2% of the total overnight stays. This moderate increase signifies growing international interest, though domestic tourism continues to play a major role. Despite the steady rise in overnight stays, foreign tourism growth was less pronounced, with no notable increase or decrease in foreign visitors compared to the previous year. The relatively lower share of foreign visitors highlights Poland’s strong domestic tourism market, even as it continues to welcome international guests, particularly for cultural and heritage tourism.
Belgium: Timeless Charm with Gradual Increases in Visitor Numbers
Belgium experienced a modest increase of +0.9% in overnight stays in the first half of 2025, with foreign visitors accounting for a significant portion of the market. Despite this slight growth, the overall number of international visitors did not see a major increase. Belgium’s tourism sector continues to cater to both domestic and foreign travelers, with popular destinations like Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp drawing tourists for cultural, historical, and gastronomic experiences. While the increase in overnight stays was small, Belgium remains a stable destination for travelers, particularly those seeking rich history and cultural diversity.
Finland: A Winter Wonderland Beckons with Unmatched Tourist Growth
Finland saw a remarkable 12.3% increase in overnight stays by foreign visitors in the first half of 2025, reflecting the country’s growing appeal. While domestic tourism also contributed to the rise, it was the influx of international tourists that boosted Finland’s tourism sector significantly. Foreign visitors were drawn to Finland’s natural landscapes, winter sports offerings, and unique cultural experiences, particularly in Lapland and Helsinki. The 12.3% increase in foreign overnight stays highlights Finland’s emerging popularity among international travelers, supported by the country’s strong tourism infrastructure and focus on sustainability and eco-tourism initiatives.
Malta: The Mediterranean Gem Shines with Record-Breaking Tourist Arrivals
Malta saw the highest increase in overnight stays in the EU, with a significant rise of +12.7%. Foreign visitors were a driving force, making up an overwhelming 93.6% of all overnight stays. This trend highlights Malta’s strong appeal to international travelers, particularly from other European countries. In addition, foreign overnight stays increased by +13.0%, which demonstrates Malta’s growing popularity as a year-round tourism destination. The surge in both foreign visits and bookings has made Malta one of the most sought-after destinations in the EU, particularly among tourists seeking unique cultural experiences and beach vacations.
Romania: A Steady Tourist Flow Amidst Strong Domestic Appeal
Romania’s overnight stays in the first half of 2025 showed an increase, though foreign visitors accounted for just 20.2% of the total. The growth in foreign overnight stays was relatively modest, suggesting a stable tourism market, but not a significant surge in international interest. Romania’s tourism industry continues to rely heavily on domestic visitors, with a slower growth rate in foreign tourism compared to some other EU nations. The country’s rich history, natural landscapes, and unique cultural offerings still attract a steady flow of tourists, with a focus on heritage tourism and nature-based travel.
Other European Countries
The first half of 2025 saw mixed results for other European countries in terms of overnight stays and tourism growth. Latvia recorded a notable increase of +8.6%, driven by a growing interest in its unique cultural experiences and natural landscapes. Finland also experienced a rise, with foreign overnight stays up by +12.3%, highlighting its increasing popularity as a destination for international travelers. On the other hand, countries like Ireland (-3.5%) and Sweden (+0.5%) faced modest challenges, with Ireland seeing a decline in foreign visitors and Sweden’s growth remaining minimal. Germany, while experiencing a small increase in total overnight stays (+0.2%), saw a decline in foreign tourist numbers, indicating a more stable but slower-growing market. Meanwhile, countries like Cyprus, Croatia, and Spain continue to attract a strong share of foreign guests, with Cyprus and Malta leading the pack in foreign overnight stays at 93.1% and 93.6%, respectively. Overall, Europe’s tourism landscape remains dynamic, with some destinations booming while others face slower growth or slight setbacks.
Germany saw a +0.2% increase in overnight stays in the first half of 2025, joining Poland, Belgium, Finland, Malta, Romania, and more in skyrocketing European tourism with foreign hotel bookings.
Conclusion
Germany, along with Poland, Belgium, Finland, Malta, Romania, and several other European nations, has experienced significant growth in skyrocketing European tourism during the first half of 2025. This surge is largely attributed to a steady increase in foreign hotel bookings, reflecting the rising international interest in these destinations. While Germany recorded a modest rise in overnight stays, it continues to be a key player in the European tourism sector. According to Eurostat data, the first half of 2025 saw a notable increase in overnight stays across several European countries, with foreign visitors contributing significantly to the growth, particularly in destinations like Malta, Finland, and Poland. Countries like Malta and Finland stand out with remarkable gains, particularly in foreign tourism, contributing to a broader trend of recovery and growth across the region. As these nations continue to attract travelers from all over the world, Europe’s tourism market remains dynamic, with foreign visitors playing a crucial role in boosting hotel bookings and revitalizing the industry.
