In 2024, France reaffirmed its status as the world’s most visited country, welcoming over 100 million international tourists and generating a massive €71 billion in tourism revenue, breaking records along the way.
Major events like the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, and the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral brought a surge of visitors. Belgians led the way in spending, with other countries like the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and the US also increasing their expenditure by 5% to 15% compared to last year.
Despite the impressive revenue, there’s room for improvement when it comes to the average spending per visitor. Compared to Spain’s €126 billion in 2023, France is trailing slightly. Tourism Minister Nathalie Delattre stressed the need to boost spending and encourage longer stays to maintain France’s global tourism dominance.
The growth was especially noticeable from Northern Europe and the United States, with Belgians staying 5% longer and Spaniards 3% longer. North American visitors, particularly from the US, remained a solid source of tourism, with overnight stays up by 5%. Meanwhile, Asian markets like China and Japan showed promising rebounds, with stays increasing by 40% and 20%, respectively.
Winter tourism was another bright spot, with ski resorts in mountain destinations seeing a 55% rise in arrivals in December, thanks to exceptional snowfall. Overall, winter arrivals exceeded 2023 figures by 10%, giving a strong start to the New Year.
Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be another fantastic year. Inbound international visitors are expected to grow by 10%, with the US, Brazil, India, and China leading the way in growth. In Paris, the reopening of Notre Dame is expected to keep hotel occupancy rates high, with a 7% increase in January and a 4% rise in February.
While these positive trends are exciting, challenges still loom. Rising costs, particularly in accommodation and theme parks, have led to concerns over affordability, especially for domestic travelers. The preservation of historic monuments is also at risk due to insufficient funding, with a significant portion of France’s protected monuments in poor condition.
But with all that said, France’s tourism industry remains on track for continued success. The key will be finding ways to balance affordability with growth, while ensuring the preservation of its invaluable cultural heritage. With these adjustments, France will undoubtedly continue to shine as a global tourism leader.
Image Credits - Unsplash