Press Release: Strong tourism season gives Europe an economic boost and much needed jobs

The European Commission reported on 27 September 2013 that despite the economic crisis, Europe remained one of the favourite destinations. International tourist arrivals in Europe grew by 5 % during the first half of 2013. During the first six months of the year, Spain was still the most popular destination, followed by Italy, France, Austria, Germany, Greece and the UK, but eastern countries such as Lithuania, Slovakia and Latvia also recorded substantial growth.