Published on
February 16, 2026
Image generated with Ai
Germany joins Slovenia, the United Kingdom, Greece, Portugal, France, Italy, and other European nations, is attracting more tourists in 2025–26 through the rapid expansion of luxury hospitality, iconic events, and sustainable tourism policies. These countries are strategically investing in high-end hotel developments, eco-friendly initiatives, and global events to not only cater to affluent travelers but also promote long-term tourism growth. As Europe embraces this shift, each destination is crafting a unique blend of luxury and sustainability that ensures a premium and environmentally conscious travel experience for the discerning traveler.
As Europe continues to captivate travelers from across the globe, luxury hospitality, high-profile events, and sustainable tourism practices are emerging as major drivers of the continent’s tourism resurgence. In 2025–26, nations like Germany, Slovenia, United Kingdom, Greece, Portugal, France, Italy, and several others are strategically building their tourism pipelines, welcoming discerning travelers with an array of luxury hotels, top-tier events, and eco-conscious policies designed to promote a sustainable and enriched travel experience. Let’s take a closer look at how each of these countries is shaping the future of European tourism.
Germany: A New Horizon for Luxury Hospitality
Germany is increasingly becoming a prime destination for high-end travelers, with major luxury hotels and developments driving its tourism surge.
The Estrel Tower: Germany’s Tallest Hotel
The Estrel Tower, scheduled for completion by late 2026 in Berlin, will be Germany’s tallest hotel at 176 meters. This landmark project will offer 522 rooms with stunning views of the city, co-working spaces, a Skybar, and extensive meeting infrastructure, making it a centerpiece of Berlin’s luxury hospitality offerings. This 45-floor giant will add 3,800 square meters of event space and 9,300 square meters of office space, solidifying Berlin’s reputation as a leading business and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) destination. As sustainability remains a priority, the Estrel Tower is also set to achieve LEED® Platinum certification. The opening of the Estrel Tower marks the beginning of a new era for Germany’s luxury hospitality scene.
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Lifestyle Hotels Drive New Growth
Berlin is also seeing an influx of lifestyle hotels designed for both business and leisure travelers. The Me and All Hotel Berlin East Side by Hyatt and The Dean Berlin by Dean Hotels are both focused on blending design-led hospitality with modern amenities, such as co-working spaces, fitness centers, and immersive social dining experiences. As more of these lifestyle properties open in Berlin, the city’s tourism industry continues to grow, attracting a younger, more mobile urban traveler demographic.
With such developments, Germany is creating a tourism ecosystem that will be perfect for the luxury traveler, offering both business-oriented accommodations and relaxed, leisure-driven experiences.
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Slovenia: Small but Powerful Luxury Player
Slovenia, while a relatively small player in the European tourism scene, has carved out a reputation as a luxury destination with exceptional offerings in sustainability, wellness, and culture.
Luxury in Nature: Slovenian Hotels Lead the Way
Slovenia’s natural beauty makes it a perfect canvas for boutique hotels and resorts designed to offer travelers a luxury, eco-friendly experience. The InterContinental Ljubljana, set to open in 2026, promises a combination of sophisticated luxury and green policies. Nestled among the majestic Alps and pristine lakes, Slovenia is positioning itself as a sustainable tourism hub with several luxury hotels designed with environmental impact in mind. This makes it an ideal destination for the eco-conscious traveler.
Events with a Touch of Class
Slovenia is also bolstering its luxury tourism appeal with iconic events like the Ljubljana International Film Festival and Slovenian Wine Festivals, which offer unique cultural experiences for luxury travelers. These events showcase local arts, culture, and fine dining, attracting international tourists looking for an immersive cultural experience. Slovenia’s growing reputation as a destination for both wellness and luxury travel is cemented by its unique offerings in both hotel accommodations and event programming.
United Kingdom: Reaching New Heights in Luxury Tourism
The UK, with its historical landmarks and contemporary culture, is in the midst of a luxury tourism renaissance, with London continuing to lead the way.
Exclusive Hotels in London
London is home to some of the world’s most renowned luxury hotels, and new openings in 2025–26 will further bolster its position as the ultimate luxury destination. The Ritz London, Claridge’s, and The Langham are already iconic names in the city, but upcoming properties like the The Other House Covent Garden promise to elevate London’s already impressive offerings.
The upcoming Bertrand’s Townhouse, slated to open in 2026, will blend classic British elegance with modern luxury, offering guests an immersive experience steeped in history while featuring state-of-the-art amenities. With such extraordinary properties, the United Kingdom is poised to remain at the top of luxury tourism for the foreseeable future.
Greece: The Ultimate Blend of Luxury, Culture, and Sustainability
Greece’s tourism boom shows no signs of slowing down. The country is building on its strengths of historical significance, natural beauty, and top-tier luxury offerings.
Conrad Athens The Ilisian: A New Luxury Landmark
One of the most anticipated luxury openings in Greece is the Conrad Athens The Ilisian, set to reopen in 2026 after a significant refurbishment. The property will combine luxury accommodations with the beauty of the Athenian Riviera. Its opening is set to coincide with the launch of the Hard Rock Hotel Athens, an innovative project that promises to bring luxury, music, and entertainment together, enhancing the city’s appeal as a luxury hotspot.
Sustainable and Cultural Experiences
Greek luxury tourism is also increasingly focused on sustainability. From eco-friendly beach resorts in the Aegean Islands to sustainable, heritage-rich stays in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece is offering travelers an opportunity to enjoy world-class luxury while contributing to the preservation of the environment. Events like the Athens Epidaurus Festival are also attracting high-end tourists, offering unforgettable cultural experiences in luxurious settings.
Portugal: Unveiling New Luxury Experiences
Portugal has been attracting attention for its growing luxury tourism sector, with cities like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve becoming epicenters for affluent travelers seeking opulent experiences.
Nobu Hotel Lisbon: A Global Luxury Arrival
The opening of the Nobu Hotel Lisbon in 2026 will mark a new chapter in the city’s luxury hotel scene. This new property will feature Nobu’s signature blend of sophisticated design, top-tier restaurants, and world-class service, perfect for the discerning traveler. Portugal’s growing portfolio of luxury properties ensures that it remains a competitive luxury destination.
Algarve: Portugal’s Coastal Gem
Beyond Lisbon, the Algarve region, known for its stunning beaches and world-class golf courses, is attracting international luxury hotel chains like Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental. These hotels promise a combination of high-end luxury and eco-conscious design, appealing to travelers who want the best of both worlds.
With such additions, Portugal is steadily becoming a top choice for those looking to combine luxury with sustainability and culture.
France: Timeless Luxury and Innovation
France continues to be one of Europe’s most prestigious luxury destinations. From Paris to the French Riviera, the country is expanding its luxury tourism offerings to cater to every need of affluent visitors.
Paris: A Luxury Playground
Paris remains the epitome of luxury hospitality, and with the reopening of the Hotel Raphael in 2026, it’s reaffirming its status as a global luxury leader. The city is also a hub for prestigious events like Paris Fashion Week, the Tour de France, and the French Open, drawing an influx of luxury travelers from all over the world.
The French Riviera and Provence
Beyond Paris, the French Riviera is seeing a surge of luxury hotels and resorts. Iconic destinations like Cannes, Nice, and Saint-Tropez are undergoing renovations and new hotel constructions that promise to offer the height of luxury, complete with world-class spas, private beaches, and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Italy: Heritage Meets Contemporary Luxury
Italy is a timeless luxury destination, with a rich history and a forward-thinking approach to luxury tourism that combines cultural heritage with contemporary design.
Venice and Rome: Luxury Beyond Compare
In Rome and Venice, new luxury hotels are blending modernity with Italy’s rich cultural legacy. For example, the Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel in Venice offers travelers an opportunity to experience Venetian heritage in the lap of luxury. Similarly, Rome’s Hotel de Russie continues to lead the way, attracting global travelers with its stunning interiors and exceptional service.
Italy’s reputation as a luxury destination is only set to grow with the expansion of boutique hotels and exclusive cultural experiences, solidifying its status as a top luxury destination for global tourists.
Europe is evolving, and luxury tourism is at the heart of this transformation. From Germany’s towering hotels to Greece’s luxurious island escapes, each country is carefully crafting a diverse offering of luxury accommodations, sustainable tourism practices, and events that will continue to attract high-end travelers in 2025–26 and beyond. As travelers seek out the finest in hospitality, these countries are rising to the challenge, ensuring that luxury, sustainability, and innovation define Europe’s future tourism landscape.
Germany, alongside Slovenia, the United Kingdom, Greece, Portugal, France, Italy, and other European nations, is attracting more tourists in 2025–26 through a combination of luxury hospitality, world-class events, and sustainable tourism initiatives. This growing focus on high-end accommodations and eco-conscious policies ensures an enriched travel experience while boosting long-term tourism growth across Europe.
Whether you’re planning a trip to the cultural hubs of France, the historic streets of Italy, or the pristine nature of Slovenia, Europe is ready to welcome you with open arms and unparalleled luxury.

