France, an international leading destination for the richness of its cultural and natural heritage, the variety of its regions and gastronomy, seducing travellers with iconic landmarks, epic history, bustling cities and towns, picturesque villages, the iconic Paris, one of the capitals most visited in the globe, its traditional and cozy café terraces and its distinguished joie de vivre, expression of a cheerful enjoyment of life, an exultation of spirit, and general happiness recorded a strong growth in tourism with a consolidation as the most visited country in the world.
The country signing 100 million international visitors last year also achieved international revenues of €71.000 million and Atout France, the French tourism development agency, responsible for promoting the development of the tourism industry in France as destination with the primary mission to maintain a detailed and permanent system for monitoring and analysing supply and demand in the tourist market, reported that the country received two million more visitors than in 2023 and obtained 12% more tourism revenue than the previous year.
The year 2024 was very successful for France, which hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games, it celebrated the reopening of te Notre - Dame de Paris, emblematic medieval cathedral on the Île de la Cité and the 80th anniversary of D – Day next to many other events of relevance.
The numbers of international visitors increased, driven by Northern Europeans and Americans who enjoyed 5% more overnight stays than in 2023 and also tourists coming from other part of Europe mark a further increase for example overnight stays by Belgians and Spaniards increased by 5% and 3% respectively.
Chinese and Japanese travellers visited France 40% and 20% more than in 2023, respectively, but have not yet fully recovered to pre - COVID – 19 levels despite there is a notable return of the Asian markets visiting the country.
Overall, overnight stays by international travellers increased by 7.3%, which Atout France attributes to the 16.4% growth in rental accommodations.
In terms of revenue, the top five source markets are Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland and the United States of America, an increase of 5% to 15% each over 2023 and revenues remain 60% lower for Chinese travellers and 30% lower for Japanese tourists than pre – pandemic levels.
Today in France, the most important trend is that of an increased number of travellers visiting the famed ski resorts in the Alps, driven by the large amount of snow, with occupancy of 85%, data which reflect an increase of three points on the previous year and 71% of ski destinations saw an increase in visitors in 2024.
Looking ahead to 2025, the first quarter of the year is expected to be positive in France, with a 10% increase in international air arrival and 7% increase in hotel occupancy in the eternal, beloved Paris that with its unique appeal continues to attract more and more tourists.
The number of visitors is already projected to be higher than in the first quarter of 2024, with 15% more American travellers, 16% more Chinese visitors, and 7% more Indian tourists entering France.
The France’s Minister Delegate for Tourism, Nathalie Delattre said that with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the reopening of Notre Dame and the 80th anniversary of the D- Day landings, 2024 was an unprecedent and exceptional year for France.
The Minister Delegated added that while these figures confirm France’s position as the world number one destination, it is necessary to move to next level and become the number one destination for sustainable tourism and the country has a double objective such as to take advantage of this year that has put France on the top in the world map and to accompany the transition of the tourism sector.
The challenges are numerous, starting to improve the quality of its offer and distribute the number of visitors throughout the year, to accompany the sector in its ecological and digital transition, to improve the skills and knowledges of the French professionals and to guarantee the preservation of social and inclusive tourism.
On by working closely with the French Government, tourism actors and local authorities, France will be able to overcome this situation.
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