European tourism is forecast to be 30% below 2019 volume. Western Europe is expected to perform better globally this year while 24% below 2019. But it is hard for eastern Europe to recover. The chances of recovery in eastern Europe seem in 2025.

The 'European Tourism Trends & Prospects' new edition quarterly report from the European Travel Commission (ETC) predicts that European tourism will recover from this tough time, but there are multiple hurdles.

Arrivals are 43% lower compared to 2019 and noticed a 60% decline in the previous quarter.

According to the February- march data following arrival, rebounds are seen in the following states.

Serbia (-11%)

Turkey (-12%)

Bulgaria (-18%)

Austria (-33%)

Spain and Monaco (both -34%)

Croatia (-37%)

European tourism is still dealing with uncertainty and many other problems due to the war. And try to cope with all these issues to maintain economic sustainability. But it needs more time to get back to the normal position.

Covid-19 Pandemic Affect Travelling

All the world's tourism has been affected by the covid -19. But after a wide break, the tourism is going better with the help of covid vaccine and booster, health protocol and certifications international traveling start increasing to Europe.

While United States travelers to Europe are the best in performance, the annual growth rate of tourism from the U.S to Europe is expected to be 33.6% during the 2021-2026 period. At the same time, the fastest rise in traveling is observed in Northern Europe (+41.5%). We can say that the tourism rate from the U.S to EUROPE will be a key driver in the recovery of the European tourism sector.

While China, the world's largest travel spender, is facing a severe outbreak due to the omicron variant in Shanghai. That is why the 90% decline seen in China's tourist arrival compared to 2019.

Russian-Ukrainian Conflict To Impact Travel Sector

The Ukraine and Russian wars affected the travel sector. The market source will also affect the tourism sector. Neighboring countries are facing the hardest time because of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The war mainly hurt Cyprus, Latvia, Finland, Montenegro, Lithuania, and Estonia in these Russian travels with t0% of total inbound travel in 2019. but now no chances of recovery due to the uncertainty of war.

The Inflationary Effect On Travellers

The war and ban on oil and gas to Russia is also a serious problem. The inflation rate is increasing globally, and in Europe, prices are increasing on food, energy, Golf Ireland courses, and other items. Due to uncertainty and economic sustainability, people cut down their expenditures to fulfill their essential needs because the high inflation rates create problems for common people.

The rising fuel prices automatically raise airfare, and the closing of Russian, Ukrainian, Moldovan, and Belarusians airspace impacts European and Asian connectivity.

Inflation is also now the other reason that affects tourism worldwide.

Conclusion

European tourism was affected by covid-19, inflation, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The uncertainty in the economy due to pandemics and war. But when we figure out the best performer by the U.S in European tourism. The U.S is expected to stand as the topper in 2022 among far-distance source markets.