Off-Season Tourism in Southern Europe Drives Sustainable Growth and Steady Profits
Off-season tourism is gaining traction in Southern Europe, with countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Croatia reimagining travel patterns to extend visitor numbers beyond peak summer months. According to a recent analysis presented at the 2026 Seasonality Summit, these nations are working to distribute tourist arrivals more evenly throughout the year. Spain leads this shift, with just over half of its visitors arriving between May and September, while Portugal follows closely. In contrast, Greece and Croatia still rely heavily on summer travel, though early trends suggest Greece is beginning to extend its appeal into shoulder periods. This shift is supported by increased flight connectivity, with airlines planning to offer around 96.64 million seats from October to December 2026, a 4.6% increase from 2025. The move towards off-season tourism is also driven by events, festivals, and business-related trips that help maintain visitor numbers during quieter months. 
