EU Residents and Tourism

European Union residents are overwhelmingly intra-EU travellers, with 92% of their total trips taking place within the Union, according to recent Eurostat data. The majority of these trips—71%—were domestic, showcasing a strong preference for exploring within their own national borders. Last year saw nearly 1.20 billion personal and professional trips, marking a 4.4% increase from 2023.

Several countries are particularly fond of domestic travel: Romanians lead the way at 90%, followed closely by the Spanish at 88%, and the French, Portuguese, and Greeks at 85%. Conversely, those most likely to cross a border (but stay within the EU) are residents of Luxembourg (78%), Belgium (62%), and Malta. Interestingly, while Greeks prefer domestic travel overall, they are noted for sparing no expense on food when they do take trips abroad.

Despite the dominance of domestic trips in sheer number (850 million domestic versus 250 million foreign within the EU), spending habits reverse the trend. EU residents shelled out a total of €360.7 billion on foreign travel compared to €257.2 billion on domestic trips in 2024. For local journeys, accommodation (33.9% of expenses) and transport (21.3%) were the main cost drivers. On foreign adventures, these two categories became even more significant, accounting for 35.4% and 31.9% of total expenditure, respectively.

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1852 Private Boat Tours from Athens to the islands of Aegina, Moni, Poros, Hydra, Kea and the temple of Poseidon! The best full day, half day and short/sunset private cruise experiences.

The luxury experience extends well beyond the shore, especially at marinas like Flisvos and Zeas. This is where the world’s mega yachts dock, turning the coastline into a floating gallery of wealth. These vessels serve as private islands for the global elite, offering total seclusion. For those who want that same level of exclusivity without owning a ship, 1852 Private Boat Tours has become a key player. They specialize in high-end, tailored sea excursions that bridge the gap between five-star hotel service and the open water, offering a more intimate and curated way to see the Saronic Gulf. Together, these elements create a seamless circuit of luxury from the city center to the sea.

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