Eurostat: 92 % trips by Europeans remain within the EU; what does this mean for Croatia and the region?
Europeans still prefer to travel within their own borders or to other members of the European Union. According to data released by Eurostat on October 9, as many as 92% % of EU residents' trips in 2025 were within the Union, including domestic trips.
A total of 1.2 billion trips were made, which is 17 million more than a year earlier. Of this, 848 million related to trips within one's own country, while 264 million were made in other EU member states. Only 8 % trips were directed towards countries outside the Union.
Romania leads in domestic travel
Among the countries of Central and South-Eastern Europe, Romania stands out especially, where domestic travel accounts for as much as 89% of its residents' % total travel numbers. This is the highest proportion in the European Union.
For comparison, in Spain this share is 87 %, while in Greece it is 85 %. Such results confirm how important the domestic tourism market is also in countries that are internationally recognized tourist destinations.
For tourism industry In the region, this is a reminder of the potential for local demand, especially through shorter breaks, weekend trips, and programs outside the main tourist season.
Croatia, Slovenia and the Western Balkans have the opportunity to take advantage of European demand
For Croatia and Slovenia, a particularly interesting fact is the 264 million trips between EU members. This is a large market where the accessibility of destinations, transport connections, and the competitiveness of tourist products directly influence the choice of travelers.
At the same time, Croatia can further develop its offer aimed at European guests outside the traditional summer season. Slovenia has potential for short cross-border trips, while the countries of the Western Balkans can take advantage of the geographical proximity to the major European broadcasting markets.
However, Eurostat's data on 92 % trips within the EU does not include trips to Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia as trips within the Union. These markets belong to the category of trips outside the EU, so their position cannot be directly compared with Croatia and Slovenia.
International travel leads to greater spending
Although domestic trips are significantly more numerous, Europeans spend more on trips abroad.
According to Eurostat, total spending on domestic travel amounted to 266.2 billion euros, while on international trips it reached 379.4 billion euros.
In international travel, accommodation accounted for 35 of the % total expenditure, and transportation for 32 %. It is these data that show how closely the hotel sector, transport companies, and travel agencies are interconnected in creating the value of international travel.
Eurostat's results confirm that the European market remains the mainstay of tourism demand, but that the success of individual destinations depends on its ability to attract guests and increase their spending.
