The Balkans Is a Bright Spot in Europe’s Modest Tourism Growth


Skift Take

It's not all bad news for European tourist arrivals, but it could be better. However, look to the Balkans for some robust growth fueled by arrivals from China and Russia.

New numbers from the European Travel Commission show reasons for measured optimism. Growth in international tourist arrivals to Europe is expected to grow 3.6 percent in 2019. Though that represents a decrease year on year — 2018 saw 6.1 percent growth — it is in line with the average rate of growth for the decade prior. Nearly every destination that provided data for the first two quarters of 2019 reported "significant increases in tourist arrivals early in the year," the report, released Thursday, noted. However, the peak summer months will be the truest indicator of the year's overall