As tourism continues to rebound and evolve in 2025, European attitudes toward tourists are as complex as ever. While tourism is a vital economic driver, the sheer volume of travelers can strain resources, disrupt daily life, and alter the character of beloved destinations. Here’s how Europeans feel about tourists in 2025 and what you can do to make your visit more welcome.
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Tips for Being a Welcome Tourist
Travel Off-Season: Help reduce overcrowding and enjoy a more authentic experience.
Respect Local Customs: Research the culture and follow rules specific to your destination.
Engage with Locals: Be friendly, curious, and open to learning about their way of life.
Support Sustainable Practices: Make choices that leave a positive impact on the environment and community.
Be Patient: Remember that locals have their routines, and adapting to the pace of life in Europe can enrich your travel experience.
In 2025, Europeans continue to welcome tourists with open arms—but with clear expectations for responsible and respectful travel. By understanding and addressing their concerns, you can enjoy a more meaningful and enjoyable experience while fostering goodwill with the communities you visit.
1. Appreciation for Responsible Tourism
How Europeans Feel:
Travelers who respect local cultures, follow rules, and prioritize sustainability are warmly welcomed. Europeans appreciate tourists who contribute positively to the local economy without causing undue strain.
What You Can Do:
Support small businesses and local artisans.
Opt for eco-friendly accommodations and travel methods.
2. Frustration with Overtourism
How Europeans Feel:
Popular destinations like Venice, Amsterdam, and Dubrovnik continue to grapple with overtourism, leading to overcrowding and wear on infrastructure. Many locals feel overwhelmed by large tourist crowds.
What You Can Do:
Visit less popular destinations or travel during the off-season.
Be mindful of local residents’ space and routines.
3. Mixed Feelings About Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals
How Europeans Feel:
While short-term rentals bring tourists closer to authentic neighborhoods, they’ve driven up housing costs and displaced locals in cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Lisbon.
What You Can Do:
Choose licensed accommodations or hotels instead of unregulated Airbnb listings.
Research the impact of short-term rentals on your destination before booking.
4. Increased Expectations for Cultural Respect
How Europeans Feel:
Locals expect tourists to respect cultural norms and traditions, such as appropriate dress codes, quiet hours, and local etiquette.
What You Can Do:
Research cultural customs and follow them.
Dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites.
5. Rising Support for Tourist Taxes
How Europeans Feel:
Many Europeans view tourist taxes as necessary to maintain infrastructure and reduce the negative impact of tourism. These fees are generally seen as fair.
What You Can Do:
Be prepared to pay city or tourist taxes, which often go toward preserving attractions.
Appreciate that these fees help improve your experience as well.
6. Wariness of Disrespectful Behavior
How Europeans Feel:
Public drunkenness, littering, and disruptive behavior in tourist areas are major complaints among locals.
What You Can Do:
Keep noise levels low, especially in residential areas.
Dispose of trash properly and avoid rowdy behavior.
7. Grateful for Offbeat Explorers
How Europeans Feel:
Locals in less touristy areas appreciate travelers who venture beyond iconic landmarks, bringing economic benefits to smaller towns and regions.
What You Can Do:
Explore lesser-known destinations to avoid contributing to overtourism.
Engage with local guides or community-led tours.
8. Concern Over Environmental Impact
How Europeans Feel:
Many Europeans are concerned about the carbon footprint of mass tourism, particularly in sensitive areas like the Alps or Mediterranean beaches.
What You Can Do:
Choose public transportation or sustainable travel options.
Avoid damaging natural landscapes or littering in pristine areas.
9. Appreciation for Language Efforts
How Europeans Feel:
Locals value tourists who make an effort to learn basic phrases in the local language. It’s seen as a sign of respect and interest in the culture.
What You Can Do:
Learn a few key phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.”
Use translation apps when needed, but don’t rely solely on them.
10. Preference for Smaller Groups
How Europeans Feel:
Large tour groups can overwhelm public spaces and disrupt daily life. Locals often prefer individual travelers or smaller groups who blend more easily into the environment.
What You Can Do:
Travel in smaller groups or independently.
Avoid blocking walkways or crowding attractions.
11. Positive Attitudes Toward Tourists Who Stay Longer
How Europeans Feel:
Visitors who stay longer and immerse themselves in the culture are appreciated more than day-trippers who rush through popular spots.
What You Can Do:
Spend more time in one destination to fully appreciate its culture.
Support local businesses during your stay.
12. Acceptance of Tourist Contributions
How Europeans Feel:
Many Europeans recognize the economic benefits of tourism, especially in post-pandemic recovery, and are grateful for the boost it provides to local businesses.
What You Can Do:
Spend thoughtfully in local restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Choose experiences that directly benefit the community, such as family-run tours or workshops.
13. Advocating for Sustainable Tourism
How Europeans Feel:
There’s a growing emphasis on sustainable tourism, and locals prefer tourists who align with these values by reducing their environmental impact.
What You Can Do:
Minimize single-use plastics and bring a reusable water bottle.
Choose eco-certified accommodations and activities.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.