France’s Tourism Industry Soars
According to recent data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), France’s travel and tourism industry achieved unprecedented heights in 2024 and is expected to surpass this outstanding performance in 2025.
According to the most recent Economic Impact Research (EIR), which was created in partnership with Oxford Economics, travel and tourism in France broke all previous records in 2024 in terms of employment, economic contribution, and visitor spending, securing France’s position as the most popular travel destination in the world.
The sector’s contribution to the French economy was € 266.2 BN, 9.1% of the country’s GDP and 10.1% more than 2019. Additionally, travel and tourism created 300,000 more jobs than in 2019 and supported three million jobs.
Domestic and foreign visitor spending increased by 7.1% and 5.7% on peak levels, respectively, to reach € 72.5 BN and € 142.1 BN, indicating robust and balanced demand.
2025: Sustaining Record Momentum
WTTC forecasts that 2025 will maintain this rising trend and surpass the historic peak of the year before in every parameter examined. Travel and tourism in France is predicted to employ 3.1 million people, or about one in ten of the country’s workforce, and generate € 274.2 billion in GDP, or 9.3% of the total.
Domestic tourist spending is anticipated to reach € 144.2 billion, while foreign visitor spending will increase to € 75.1 billion. This consistent success demonstrates France’s solid tourist foundation, which includes top-notch leisure and cultural resources, a sound transportation system, and ongoing government assistance.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “France continues to set the pace for Travel & Tourism worldwide. After a historic 2024, the sector is expected to maintain its growth into 2025 and beyond.
“The successful hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games showcased France on the global stage, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination with the capacity to deliver exceptional experiences at scale. France remains a beacon for travellers globally.”
Looking Ahead to 2035: A Decade of Opportunity
WTTC forecasts that by 2035, Travel and tourism in France could contribute € 308.4 BN to the national economy, equivalent to 9.4% of GDP, and support 3.5 million jobs, representing 11.2% of total employment. The sector is expected to remain a pillar of growth and opportunity, driven by evolving consumer trends, growing global demand, and investments in innovation and sustainability.
A Glimpse into the European Union
In 2024, the EU Travel & Tourism sector contributed almost €1.8TN to the region’s GDP, representing more than 10% of the Bloc’s economy, and above 2019 levels by almost 6%. The sector’s employment grew by 4.7%, year-on-year, to 24.6 million jobs, accounting for one in nine jobs across the region. By 2025, WTTC forecasts that the EU Travel & Tourism sector will reach almost €1.9TN, representing 10.5% of the EU economy. Employment linked to the industry is estimated to total 25.7 million people, or 12% of the regional total.
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