Luxembourg is among Europe’s most active travel populations, with 83% of its residents taking a trip in 2024. This places the Grand Duchy in the top three in the European Union, just behind the Netherlands (84%) and level with Finland and Sweden.
The data comes from the latest Eurostat figures, which confirm the continued recovery of European tourism. In 2024, 249 million EU residents aged 15 and over took at least one trip for personal reasons – an increase of 5.7 million from 2023. Overall, 65% of the EU population travelled, marking a steady return toward pre-pandemic levels.
Participation rates, however, vary significantly across member states. While the Netherlands leads (84%) followed closely by Luxembourg, Finland, and Sweden (all 83%), rates are markedly lower in Romania (28%) and Bulgaria (32%). Europe’s most populous nations, Germany and France, reported rates above the EU average at 80% and 81%, respectively.
Domestic travel remains the most common choice, with 47% of Europeans journeying solely within their own borders. However, foreign travel saw a significant 6.8% increase compared to 2023, with dramatic surges in outbound trips from Sweden (+75%) and Romania (+62%). Combined domestic and international trips now account for 38% of all travel.
Luxembourg’s high travel participation is underpinned by several factors: a high standard of living, a highly mobile population, and excellent connectivity to European destinations. A key indicator is that only 9% of Luxembourg residents report being unable to afford a week’s holiday away from home – the lowest rate in the EU and far below the bloc’s average of 27%. In contrast, this figure exceeds 40% in Romania, Greece, and Bulgaria.
Residents also exhibit a balanced travel pattern, taking both long-distance trips and shorter journeys within the Greater Region, aided by a dense and accessible cross-border network.
Despite the overall recovery, social inequalities in travel access remain pronounced. Eurostat notes that 27% of Europeans still cannot afford a holiday. The elderly are particularly affected, with nearly half (49%) of those aged 65 and over taking no trips in 2024.
Nonetheless, the broader trend is positive. Travel increased across all age groups in 2024 except for 25-34 year-olds, who saw a slight decline. Long stays of at least four nights also regained popularity, reaching their highest level in 15 years.
Rising tourism has also placed Luxembourg Airport at Findel under growing strain. Earlier last year, it was reported that part of a runway had been left unsuitable for aircraft following an unsuccessful renovation. At the same time, record passenger numbers have intensified pressure on the airport’s infrastructure, with an increase in night flights and related disruption.
