Heraklion and Rhodes are emerging as two of Europe’s most in-demand destinations for international travelers this summer, according to the Summer Outlook 2025 by travel intelligence provider ForwardKeys.
Based on international air arrival data for the June to August period, Heraklion on the island of Crete ranks third among Europe’s fastest-growing destinations, with a 13 percent increase in bookings compared to the same period in 2024. Rhodes follows closely behind in fifth place, registering a 12 percent rise in international arrivals.
The ForwardKeys ranking includes ten European destinations that are seeing the highest growth in air travel demand for summer 2025.
Leading the list is Larnaca in Cyprus, with a 17 percent year-on-year increase, followed by Catania in Italy (+13 percent), Heraklion (+13 percent), Palma Mallorca (+12 percent), Rhodes (+12 percent), Palermo (+11 percent), Prague (+11 percent), Ponta Delgada (+10 percent), Bergen (+8 percent) and Reykjavik (+8 percent).
Rhodes, Greece.
The data reflects a strong ongoing trend: the growing appeal of sun-and-beach destinations across Southern Europe. “Travellers are clearly favouring less crowded, sunshine destinations,” ForwardKeys noted in its analysis.
The report also highlights broader air travel trends shaping this year’s summer season.
International air capacity to Europe is expected to grow by 5 percent compared to summer 2024. Within the continent, Southern Europe is leading the recovery with a 7 percent increase, followed by Central and Eastern Europe at 6 percent, and Northern and Western Europe each seeing 4 percent growth.
Heraklion, Crete.
ForwardKeys’ research also points to shifting traveler behaviors across key source markets. Millennials are driving intra-European demand, with travelers aged 26–45 accounting for 44 percent of international bookings to Spain this summer. This age group is particularly motivated by lifestyle, culture, and affordability.
Meanwhile, the Chinese market is showing a notable pivot toward premium travel. In the first quarter of 2025, bookings in Economy Premium were up by 52 percent year-on-year, Business Class rose by 25 percent, and First Class by 20 percent. This trend is reflected in a surge in Chinese arrivals to select European destinations, including Belgium (+339 percent), Austria (+112 pecent), and Spain (+59 percent), underscoring the growing importance of targeting high-value, experience-driven visitors.
Follow GTP Headlines on Google News to keep up to date with all the latest on tourism and travel in Greece.
Source link
