RateGain’s hotel booking data for the Christmas holidays — covering stays from December 20 to January 4 [1]— shows a clear surge in European city breaks. Paris and London, traditionally high-demand destinations, continue to top the list, but this time with more moderate growth of 22% and 31% respectively compared to the same period last year.

Spain is leading hotel bookings growth, with Madrid (+75%) and Barcelona (+46%) at the forefront, placing them in third and fourth position in the global ranking of most demanded European cities. Rome, renowned for its cultural heritage, ranks fifth with a notable 49% increase in bookings, while Warsaw records a 51% rise, highlighting travellers’ growing interest in cultural tourism.

Regarding travel planning, the data indicates a notable shift in trends, with travelers booking further in advance (almost three months ahead) and opting for longer stays. Specifically, 18% of bookings are for 3–4 days, 22% for 7–10 days, and 29% for more than 10 days.

Regarding the origin of travellers, international arrivals grew by 42% compared to the same period last year, while long-haul destinations fell by 62%, reinforcing Europeans’ shift toward closer-to-home destinations.

Fritz Müller, Senior VP of Revenue and Head of Europe at RateGain, comments: “This shift in trend can be explained by a combination of different factors. First of all, economic pressure caused by inflation and geopolitical instability in some long-haul destinations are leading many travellers to prioritise closer and more predictable destinations. Added to this is the effort made by European cities to strengthen their cultural and leisure offerings during the Christmas season, positioning themselves as safe, accessible alternatives with high added value. The result is clear: travellers are seeking enriching experiences without straying too far, and European capitals are meeting that demand better than ever.”