Rory Shaffer
Tourist are welcomed to visit across Europe, but there few countries that might surprise you who depends on tourism. Tourist can expect a friendly greeting in Montenegro, tourism accounts for more than a quarter of economic output. Figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council have revealed which European economies were most reliant on tourism before the pandemic - and which still are.
It is based on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a measure of the total value of goods and services produced in any one nation over a year. In tiny Montenegro, with its sliver of Adriatic Sea, the travel industry accounted for nearly a third (30.8 per cent) of the country’s GDP in 2019.
Which European country are most reliant on tourism?
For places that rely heavily on travelers spending big, this task couldn’t be more important to bounce back from the pandemic. In 2019, Montenegro’s reliance on tourism was closely followed by Croatia’s. The coastal Balkan country depended on tourism for nearly a quarter (24.8 per cent) of its GDP. In 2021, this figure had shrunk to 16.1 per cent.
Pre-pandemic, tourism accounted for more than a fifth of GDP in Greece, Iceland, and Albania. In each of these countries, it now accounts for less than a sixth.
What about Europe’s most popular countries for tourists?
Europe’s most popular countries draw millions of tourists every year. However, they rely on them less than some of their neighboring countries.
France is Europe’s most popular country with tourists, receiving 90 million visitors per year before the pandemic. Montenegro, on the other hand, received a little over 2.5 million. Tourists flock to France for its cultured cities, beautiful landscapes and fine dining.
Tourism accounted for less than a tenth of GDP before the pandemic, according to the WTTC figures - and in 2021 contributed 6.5 per cent. Nearby Spain received more than 80 million visitors in 2019. Yet tourism accounted for just 14.5 per cent of GDP - a figure that nearly halved to 8.5 per cent in 2021.
On the other end of the spectrum, many countries hardly relied on tourism at all in 2019. These countries have largely failed to draw back visitors since border restrictions started to ease.
In 2019, Ireland received 4.2 per cent of its GDP from the travel industry, followed by Poland (4.8 per cent) and Russia (5 per cent).
Montenegro is a small country, but there is no shortage of things to do and see. From the mountain landscapes. medieval cities and 295 km of coastline.
Nature lovers should visit the Lovcen National Park. It is the home of 1300 plants species. This peak in the centervof Montenegro its historical name, Crna Gora (black mountain). For the fix of breath-taking scenery head to Durmitor national park which is the home glittering glacial lakes.
I have traveled throughout the Balkan countries in 2021. I do honestly feel like this side of Europe is under rated. It offers so much history, beauty, and adventures these countries should be added to your travel list.
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