In 2023, the total contribution of travel and tourism to Ireland's gross domestic product (GDP) was roughly **** percent higher than in 2019, the year before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the total contribution of these industries to the country's GDP amounted to **** billion euros in 2023. This figure was expected to reach an estimated **** billion euros in 2024.

The European wellness tourism market, valued at €285.31 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.79% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Increasing awareness of the importance of preventative healthcare and holistic well-being amongst European consumers fuels demand for wellness-focused travel experiences. The rising disposable incomes across many European nations, coupled with a greater emphasis on work-life balance and stress reduction, further contributes to market growth. Specific segments within the market are exhibiting strong performance. International wellness tourism is experiencing significant traction, fueled by the desire for unique and exotic wellness experiences. Within the activities segment, "Activities and Excursions" (e.g., hiking, yoga retreats, spa treatments integrated with nature) show particularly high growth potential, reflecting a move towards experiential wellness. The market's growth is further propelled by the increasing availability of specialized wellness resorts and programs catering to diverse needs and preferences, ranging from detox retreats to mindfulness workshops. Luxury wellness travel also contributes significantly to the market's value. However, certain restraints exist. Economic downturns and geopolitical instability can impact travel spending, potentially slowing market growth. Competition amongst wellness providers is intense, demanding continuous innovation and differentiation to attract consumers. Seasonality also plays a role, impacting demand particularly in regions with distinct weather patterns. The market's success hinges on effectively addressing sustainability concerns and adopting environmentally conscious practices to appeal to environmentally aware travelers. To maintain its trajectory, the industry must leverage digital marketing effectively to reach target audiences and offer personalized wellness experiences. Further market segmentation, catering to niche wellness interests like Ayurveda or specific age demographics (e.g., millennial wellness travellers), will unlock additional growth opportunities. The leading players – including Intercontinental Hotel Group, Marriott International, and Hilton Worldwide – are strategically investing in wellness offerings to capture market share. Future growth will be strongly influenced by the successful integration of technology (e.g., wearable health trackers and personalized wellness apps) into the overall travel and wellness experience. Recent developments include: In January 2024, Hotel Group (IHG), one of the largest hotel brands in the world, announced nine new signings in the UK & Ireland, bringing its total UK signings to over 1,000 rooms – as it continues to expand rapidly across all market segments. The new signings, spread across five brands – Hotel Indigo, Voco Hotels, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express – complement IHG's existing footprint of over 350 open hotels across the UK and Ireland., In January 2024, Hotel Group IHG signed the contract for its first hotel in Europe, a 170-room holiday inn and suite property in the capital city of Budapest, Hungary. The property will be in the capital’s XIV district, a stone’s throw from Budapest’s most congested metro station, and close to the country’s intermodal transportation hubs.. Key drivers for this market are: Rise in the Number of Domestic & International Tourists Arrivals in Europe, Increasing Corporate Workplace Wellness Tourism is Driving the Growth of the Market. Potential restraints include: Rise in the Number of Domestic & International Tourists Arrivals in Europe, Increasing Corporate Workplace Wellness Tourism is Driving the Growth of the Market. Notable trends are: Increasing Awareness Regarding Healthcare to Influence the European Wellness Tourism Market.

The Europe destination wedding industry is projected to hit USD 27.3 billion by 2025. The market is expected to reach USD 66.2 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 9.2%. This demand is being fueled by couples worldwide who are looking for immersive, story-rich wedding experiences rather than white tuxes or hometown ceremonies.

Attribute	Value
Estimated Size (2025E)	USD 27.3 billion
Projected Europe Value (2035F)	USD 66.2 billion
Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035)	9.2%

Footprint of the Europe Destination Wedding Industry (2024)

Category	Details
Market Value	USD 25.1 billion
Domestic Market Share	35%; includes countryside retreats and historic castles
International Market Share	65%; couples from the USA, India, China, UAE, and Brazil dominate
Key Destinations	Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Croatia
Economic Impact	Supports over 5.2 million jobs-from planners and photographers to florists and regional entertainers
Key Trends	Rise of eco-weddings, local gastronomy, and heritage-based rituals
Top Wedding Seasons	May-October (outdoor-friendly months), with winter weddings rising in December-January

Domestic vs International Destination Wedding Ratios in Top 10 European Countries

Country	Domestic : International Ratio
Italy	30 : 70
France	35 : 65
Greece	20 : 80
Spain	40 : 60
Portugal	25 : 75
Ireland	30 : 70
Croatia	45 : 55
Austria	50 : 50
Germany	60 : 40
Switzerland	40 : 60

Caravan and camping sites are popular in Europe. Many sites across Europe boast picturesque landscapes, catering to the needs of environmentally conscious and cost-sensitive travellers. The staycation trend and an ageing population create a significant market for caravans and campsites, fuelling revenue growth. Revenue is expected to rebound at a compound annual rate of 5.4% to €13.6 billion over the five years through 2025, including a more muted 0.9% climb in 2025. The closure of sites and strict travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic decimated revenue in 2020, resulting in a low revenue figure in the base year, skewing the growth rate. The rebound in tourism once COVID-19 restrictions were lifted spurred revenue recovery in 2021 and 2022. Economic headwinds, including geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures, subdued consumer sentiment and squeezed budgets, weakening holiday spending since the second half of 2022. At the same time, the more challenging economic climate encouraged more travellers to seek quick and affordable domestic trips, limiting the negative impact on caravan and camping sites’ revenue. Strong domestic tourism across Europe has provided caravan and camping sites with growth opportunities. The ageing population in Europe has enhanced demand, as retirees tend to appreciate outdoor holidays and have more free time. Mounting competition has intensified pressure on sites to continually enhance amenities and service, with larger, private-equity-backed companies leading in consolidation and modernisation efforts. Caravan and camping site operators are innovating and investing in upgrading amenities and customer experiences, transforming them into resort-like family destinations. The glamping trend, offering a luxurious camping experience, and wellness tourism have also boosted performance and supported profit growth by commanding premium rates and attracting high-income consumers. Revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 4% to €16.5 billion over the five years through 2025. Climbing tourism numbers, an ageing European population and higher holiday spending, as economic conditions are anticipated to improve, will drive industry growth. Swelling preference for outdoor, sustainable tourism and glamping will also spur sales and profit for sites that are quick to adapt. To stay competitive, caravan and camping sites will continue to enhance their offerings, adopting eco-friendly practices, smart technologies and improving booking platforms. However, strong competition from alternative affordable holiday accommodation (e.g. budget hotels and short-term holiday apartments) will put pressure on prices and limit profit growth.