Record Tourism in the EU Amid Declines in Ireland and Romania

In 2025, tourists spent a total of 3.08 billion nights in various accommodations across the European Union, marking a 2% increase (61.5 million nights) from 2024 and setting a new record. This figure represents a 7.2% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Notably, foreign guests contributed significantly to this growth, with an increase of 46.1 million overnight stays, while EU residents accounted for an additional 15.4 million nights. The distribution of overnight stays was nearly even, with foreign visitors making up 48.6% and EU residents 51.4%.

Tourists set record in EU, spending more than 3 bln nights in 2025Ireland sees drop in tourism numbers as EU sets new records

Despite the overall growth in the EU, Ireland and Romania were the only two member states to experience declines in tourist bed nights. In Ireland, the number of nights spent in tourist accommodations fell by 1.8% to 41.3 million, making it the worst-performing country in the EU for 2025. Romania also saw a decrease of 1.4%. The decline in Ireland's tourism sector occurred alongside a broader increase across the EU, where countries like Malta (9.9% increase) and Poland (7% increase) reported significant growth.

Ireland sees drop in tourism numbers as EU sets new records

In Ireland, hotels accounted for 61% of tourist bed nights, with guesthouses and other short-stay accommodations making up 33% and campsites only 6%. The third quarter of 2025, typically the peak summer period, saw an overall drop of 4.1% in tourist nights compared to the same period in 2024. Specific sectors within Ireland's tourism industry experienced contrasting trends: hotel stays decreased by 8.4%, while holiday and other short-stay accommodations saw a 15.4% increase.

Ireland sees drop in tourism numbers as EU sets new recordsTourists set record in EU, spending more than 3 bln nights in 2025

Despite the earlier declines, a resurgence in tourist numbers was noted in the last two months of 2025, including a 13% year-on-year increase in November. The European Commission estimates that the final figures for 2025 will reflect a decline of just under 2%. However, the Central Statistics Office's data on tourism in Ireland has faced scrutiny from organizations like the Irish Hotels Federation, which argues that the reported declines may be overstated.

Ireland sees drop in tourism numbers as EU sets new records

The European Commission highlighted that overall tourist bed nights in the EU have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with five countries—Hungary, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, and Slovakia—still needing to fully recover from the pandemic's impact. Spain remains the leading destination for foreign tourists, with 330 million overnight stays in 2025, followed by Italy (264 million), France (150 million), and Greece (131 million).

Ireland sees drop in tourism numbers as EU sets new recordsTourists set record in EU, spending more than 3 bln nights in 2025

• “However, it said the tourism sector in five EU countries still needed to fully recover from the impact of the pandemic – Hungary, Romania, Estonia, Latvia and Slovakia.” — European Commission

Ireland sees drop in tourism numbers as EU sets new records

This comprehensive overview illustrates the contrasting dynamics within the EU tourism sector, highlighting record growth in most member states while acknowledging the challenges faced by Ireland and Romania.

Tourists set record in EU, spending more than 3 bln nights in 2025