Flight bookings to Europe remain stable, despite a decline in the number of international travelers planning to visit the continent this autumn, according to a report from the European Travel Commission (ETC) and Interrail.
The Long-Haul Travel Barometer 3/2026 analyzes travel intentions from September to December across seven countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. While 50% of respondents expressed intent to travel abroad during this period, this figure has dropped from 55% the previous year. Interest in Europe specifically has also decreased, falling from 38% to 34% of respondents, which now accounts for about two-thirds of all long-haul travel intentions.
Despite the downturn in general interest, 17% of participants have already booked flights to Europe, similar to last autumn’s numbers. However, given the decrease in those considering a trip, confirmed bookings now make up 52% of prospective travelers, up from 42% a year ago. This development suggests a deeper commitment among individuals planning to travel, rather than an overall increase in bookings.
Chinese travelers demonstrate the highest interest, with 54% planning a trip to Europe. Approximately 37% of individuals from China have secured tickets, an increase from 33% last year. Brazil follows with 45% of respondents indicating they intend to visit Europe, while South Korea reported a slight rise, from 33% to 36%.
High travel costs remain a prominent barrier for many, cited by 44% of those not planning a long-haul trip. Among travelers opting for destinations outside of Europe, 30% note expenses as a deterrent, though this figure has decreased by 12 percentage points from last year. Other factors influencing travel decisions include preferences for different regions and limited vacation time.
Notably, a majority of travelers anticipate staying for one to two weeks, with budgets averaging between €100 to €200 per person per day. Roughly 66% of potential visitors plan to tour two or more European countries, with average itineraries covering 2.7 nations. Rail travel is a key component of these plans, with 40% expecting to utilize rail passes and 39% considering point-to-point tickets. Flights are also a popular choice, with 45% leaning towards low-cost airlines and 44% favoring full-service carriers.
The report indicates that first-time visitors constitute 53% of anticipated arrivals, increasing to 61% among Chinese travelers and 57% for American tourists. ETC President Miguel Sanz emphasized that enhanced connectivity and integrated travel systems bolster Europe’s attractiveness as a unified destination, highlighting the importance of cooperation among European countries in international tourism promotion. The survey’s findings align with long-term trends previously established by the ETC.
