France has emerged once again as the undisputed tourism powerhouse of Europe in 2025, outpacing major regional competitors such as Spain, Turkey, Italy, Austria, and the United Kingdom in nearly every key tourism metric—visitor spending, economic output, job creation, and domestic travel demand.
According to the latest data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), France’s travel and tourism sector contributed €266.2 billion to its GDP in 2024, marking a 10.1% increase over pre-pandemic levels and accounting for 9.1% of the country’s total GDP. In 2025, this figure is forecast to rise further to €274.2 billion, securing France’s dominance as the most economically impactful tourism market in Europe.
France’s Momentum: Growth, Jobs, and Unmatched Spending
What truly sets France apart in 2025 is not just volume—it’s consistency, quality, and economic transformation. The sector now supports 3.1 million jobs, adding over 300,000 positions compared to 2019. This represents nearly 10% of the national workforce and marks one of the most robust post-pandemic recoveries in the EU.
Visitor spending is equally impressive. International spending hit €72.5 billion in 2024, while domestic spending climbed to €142.1 billion—a reflection of both international appeal and the strength of internal tourism demand. These figures are expected to rise in 2025 to €75.1 billion from international tourists and €144.2 billion from domestic travelers.
Why France Continues to Lead
France’s edge lies in a strategic blend of smart policy, world-class infrastructure, and broad destination appeal. The French government has prioritized the sector with targeted investment in:
- High-speed TGV rail connectivity
- Renovated airport infrastructure
- Expanded cultural programming and museum upgrades
- Sustainability initiatives that align with EU Green Deal targets
From urban luxury in Paris to coastal escapism along the Riviera and ski adventures in the Alps, France offers a year-round, regionally distributed tourism experience—something few other European nations can match.
Comparison: France vs. Spain, Turkey, Italy, Austria, and the UK
Spain
Spain remains France’s closest rival but still trails significantly. In Q1 2025, Spain welcomed 17.1 million visitors, a 5.7% YoY increase. Yet its €23.5 billion in Q1 visitor spending, while strong, doesn’t compete with France’s massive economic contribution. Hotel performance in cities like Barcelona and Madrid is recovering, but not at the scale or speed of French urban hubs.
Turkey
Despite 8.9 million international visitors in early 2025, Turkey’s hotel sector is underperforming, with occupancy around 33.5%. Spending per tourist remains relatively low, and inflation has limited profitability. While Istanbul and Cappadocia attract millions, France is simply converting visits into greater economic output.
Italy
Italy saw 3.9 million visitors in March 2025 and 4.9 million in April, indicating strong seasonal performance. However, its lack of year-round occupancy and capacity limits in cities like Venice and Florence are slowing overall growth. France’s broader geographic appeal and domestic demand have given it a powerful advantage.
Austria
Austria’s first quarter saw a 2.6% contraction in tourism-related services. Ski destinations performed reasonably well, but year-round performance was weak compared to France’s multi-seasonal offerings. Austria’s focus on niche tourism and seasonal peaks limits scalability.
United Kingdom
The UK saw 71% hotel occupancy in Q1 2025, with marginal YoY growth in demand. While London remains a major draw, high costs and lingering post-Brexit complexities have dampened inbound traffic from EU markets. France’s flexible entry policies, superior connectivity, and value for experience make it a stronger magnet.
France by the Numbers: 2025
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 (Projected) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism GDP Contribution | €266.2 billion | €274.2 billion |
| % of National GDP | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Jobs Supported by Tourism | 3.0 million | 3.1 million |
| International Visitor Spending | €72.5 billion | €75.1 billion |
| Domestic Tourism Spending | €142.1 billion | €144.2 billion |
Top Destinations Driving France’s Tourism Growth
- Paris: Still the world’s most visited city for culture, fashion, and cuisine
- Nice & French Riviera: Beachfront luxury, yacht tourism, and Mediterranean charm
- Lyon: France’s culinary capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Bordeaux: Global hub for wine tourism
- Strasbourg: Cross-cultural gateway to the Germanic region
Popular activities include vineyard tours, skiing in the Alps, cycling in Provence, and attending globally recognized events like the Tour de France and Cannes Film Festival.
Future Outlook: Tourism in France Through 2035
WTTC projects that by 2035, France’s tourism sector will contribute €308.4 billion to GDP and support 3.5 million jobs, or over 11.2% of total employment. These figures would not only sustain France’s leadership but extend its lead as Europe’s most resilient and innovative tourism economy.
Final Thoughts
France’s success in 2025 is no accident. It is the result of coordinated policy, deliberate reinvestment, and a diversified tourism product that appeals to both global travelers and domestic explorers. While other European giants like Spain, Italy, Turkey, Austria, and the UK continue their recoveries, France has shifted into expansion mode, rewriting the rules of post-pandemic tourism success.
In the race to define the future of global travel, France isn’t just leading—it’s defining the standard.
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