Europe isn't just holding its crown as the world's most visited region — according to a new forecast from hotel group Accor, it's about to get significantly busier. The company's report, "The Changing Face of Europe's Tourism Map to 2036", compiled with research firm Tourism Economics, predicts demand for tourist accommodation across the continent will jump by roughly a third over the next decade. In raw numbers, that's 1.6 billion extra overnight stays a year by 2036, with hotel nights growing slightly faster than the overall market at 33%.The scale of Europe's current lead is hard to overstate. In 2025 the continent welcomed 810 million international visitors — more than any other region — capturing 53% of all international tourist arrivals worldwide and generating over €700 billion in international tourism receipts. Accor credits the continent's staying power to its sheer variety: gateway cities, beaches, ski slopes, national parks, food scenes and festivals packed into a relatively compact geography.Who will be doing all this travelling? Mostly Europeans themselves. Intra-continental visitors are forecast to make up 77% of arrivals, with nights by international travellers up 42% versus 24% for domestic holidaymakers. Germany emerges as the standout source market, accounting for a predicted 14% of arrivals, ahead of the UK (8%), France (5%), the US (5%) and the Netherlands (4%). There are some interesting bilateral quirks too: Germans will be the number one source market for both France and Poland, the Dutch will lead inbound travel to Germany, Brits will top the list for Spain, and Americans for the UK.The more surprising story is where growth will be fastest. While the usual heavyweights — France, the UK, Germany — stay popular, emerging destinations are forecast to grow at eye-watering rates. International accommodation nights in Azerbaijan are projected to rise 116% over the decade, with Latvia at 83% and Romania at 82%.Long-haul demand is accelerating too. Arrivals from the Middle East are forecast to grow 93% and from Asia 88%, with Saudi visitors up 55% and Chinese arrivals surging 138% — the single biggest jump in the report. Africa is set to grow 46%, while South and North America follow at 42% and 26% respectively.For travellers, this forecast is a nudge to plan differently. The headline destinations will only get more crowded and more expensive as demand climbs, while places like Latvia, Romania and Azerbaijan offer a window to experience major-hitting culture, food and architecture before the crowds catch on — and at a fraction of the cost. If rising demand also means rising prices, booking shoulder-season trips and locking in accommodation early becomes more valuable than ever over the next ten years. Source: Euronews Travel