Which European countries depend the most on tourism? The answer might surprise you.
Tourists are welcome throughout Europe.
But visitors can expect a particularly friendly welcome in Montenegro, where tourism accounts for more than a quarter of economic output.
The figures of World Travel and Tourism Council revealed which European economies were most dependent on tourism before the pandemic – and still are.
It is based on gross domestic product (GDP), a measure of the total value of goods and services produced in a country over a year.
Small caps Montenegrowith its part of the Adriatic Sea, the travel industry accounted for almost a third (30.8%) of the country’s GDP in 2019.
This figure dropped to just over 7% in 2020, but has since rebounded to 25.5%.
Which European countries depend the most on tourism?
Since pandemic restrictions were eased, countries have tried to attract tourists again.
For places that rely heavily on travelers spend bigthis task could not be more urgent.
In 2019, Montenegro’s dependence on tourism was closely followed by Croatia‘s. This coastal Balkan country depends on tourism for almost a quarter (24.8%) of its GDP. By 2021, this figure had fallen to 16.1 percent.
Before the pandemic, tourism represented more than a fifth of GDP in Greece, IcelandAnd Albania. In each of these countries, it now represents less than a sixth.
At the other end of the spectrum, many countries had virtually no reliance on tourism in 2019. These countries largely failed to turn back visitors from the border. restrictions began to ease.
In 2019, Ireland The travel industry accounts for 4.2 percent of its GDP, followed by Poland (4.8 percent) and Russia (5 percent).
The 2021 figures show these percentages falling even further. In Ireland, tourism represented only 1.2 percent of the total economy, and in Poland less than 3 percent.
In Russiatourism accounted for 3.7 percent of GDP in 2021. But those figures are expected to fall further this year, with visitor numbers skyrocketing following Russia’s invasion of Russia. Ukraine.
Across the rest of the continent, tourism will see a sharp increase this year, and many countries will see a sharp increase. increase in the number of visitors.
Analysis from Landgeist – an organization that tracks statistical trends using maps – clearly classifies GDP increases in 2019 across the continent.
What about the most popular countries in Europe for tourists?
Europe’s most popular countries attract millions of people tourists every year. However, they are less dependent on it than some of their neighbors.
France is the most popular country in Europe with touristsreceiving 90 million visitors per year before the pandemic. Montenegroon the other hand, received a little more than 2.5 million.
Tourists flock to France for its cultured cities, magnificent landscapes and gastronomy.
But tourism accounted for less than a tenth of GDP before the pandemic, according to WTTC figures – and in 2021 its contribution was 6.5 percent.
Close Spain welcomed more than 80 million visitors in 2019. Yet tourism accounted for just 14.5 percent of GDP – a figure that almost halved to 8.5 percent in 2021.
What to do in Montenegro
So if you want to help rebuild the travel industry in Europe, where it is needed most, consider a vacation to Montenegro.
The country may be small, but there is no shortage of things to do and see. From the soaring mountains and medieval towns, here are three of the best things to do in Montenegro.
3. Go to the beach
With 295 km of coastline, Montenegro has hundreds of magnificent beaches. Try Jaz Beach, one of the longest in the Budva region and a popular spot with tourists and locals.
Also check the events calendar: the beach often hosts concerts and festivals.
2. Walk around Kotor Old Town
Located in the walled city of Kotor, the Old Town is a protected site Unesco World Heritage with two millennia of history. The city’s attractions, which include a 12th-century Roman cathedral and one of the first theaters in the Balkans, are surrounded by 10-meter-thick medieval walls.
You can also walk up to the city walls for stunning views of the Bay of Kotor. A solid alternative to busy walls Dubrovnik.
1. Visit one of the country’s national parks
Nature lovers should go to Lovcen National Park, which is home to more than 1,300 species of plants. The imposing peak in the center gave Montenegro its historical name, Črna Gora (“black mountain”).
For a breathtaking landscapediscover Durmitor National Park, dotted with sparkling glacial lakes.