France is set to continue its reign as the world’s top tourism destination, following a landmark year in 2024. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), France’s Travel & Tourism sector reached a record €266.2 billion in economic contribution last year, a 10.1% increase over pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Now, new projections for 2025 signal that the country is just getting started, with even higher growth on the horizon.
The findings, presented in WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) report developed in partnership with Oxford Economics, confirm that France has not only recovered from the pandemic’s impact but is now outperforming all historical tourism benchmarks.
Historic 2024 Performance Solidifies France’s Global Tourism Leadership
In 2024, France’s travel and tourism sector:
- Contributed €266.2 billion to the national economy, 9.1% of GDP
- Supported over 3 million jobs, 300,000 more than in 2019
- Generated €72.5 billion in international visitor spending
- Reached €142.1 billion in domestic tourism spending
These figures not only cemented France’s place as the most visited country globally but also demonstrated the country’s ability to balance both domestic and international demand for its wide-ranging tourism offerings — from Paris and Provence to the Riviera and the Alps.
Strong Momentum Continues in 2025: Even Higher Projections
Looking ahead, WTTC expects 2025 to surpass even 2024’s record levels. The sector is projected to:
- Contribute €274.2 billion, or 9.3% of France’s GDP
- Create over 3.1 million jobs, meaning nearly 1 in 10 French workers will be employed in tourism
- See international visitor spending rise to €75.1 billion
- Achieve €144.2 billion in domestic tourism spending
These figures reflect the strength of France’s core tourism infrastructure and policies. The successful hosting of the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games further showcased France’s global appeal and logistical capabilities, boosting both brand value and tourism readiness.
Julia Simpson: “France Remains a Beacon for Global Travelers”
Julia Simpson, President & CEO of the WTTC, praised France’s ongoing performance, stating:
“France continues to set the pace for global Travel & Tourism. The historic 2024 results are a testament to France’s cultural richness, world-class infrastructure, and government support. With 2025 set to bring even more growth, France remains a beacon for travellers globally.”
France’s ability to deliver high-quality, large-scale events while maintaining a strong leisure tourism base has made it a model for destination development and economic resilience in the tourism sector.
A Look Toward 2035: Long-Term Opportunity for France
WTTC’s long-range forecasts offer an even more optimistic vision for France:
- By 2035, the sector could contribute €308.4 billion to the national economy
- Tourism could represent 9.4% of GDP
- More than 3.5 million jobs could be supported by tourism, representing 11.2% of total national employment
This growth is expected to be fueled by emerging travel technologies, sustainability initiatives, and shifting consumer preferences toward experiential and purpose-driven travel. France’s investment in green tourism and regional development will likely continue to attract repeat visitors and first-timers alike.
The European Context: France at the Heart of an Expanding EU Travel Sector
France’s booming tourism figures are echoed across the wider European Union, where the Travel & Tourism sector has also seen post-pandemic resurgence:
- In 2024, EU tourism contributed nearly €1.8 trillion to the region’s GDP
- That equates to more than 10% of the EU economy, a 6% increase over 2019
- Tourism supported 24.6 million jobs in 2024 — nearly 1 in 9 workers
- By 2025, these figures are expected to rise to:
- €1.9 trillion GDP contribution
- 25.7 million tourism-related jobs (or 12% of EU employment)
France’s performance, therefore, stands out even among a broader European rebound, reinforcing its status as the economic powerhouse of European tourism.
Key Drivers Behind France’s Tourism Surge
Several factors have contributed to France’s unparalleled tourism growth:
- Cultural Assets: Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Mont Saint-Michel, and the vineyards of Bordeaux continue to attract millions.
- Event Infrastructure: Successful management of global events such as the Rugby World Cup 2023 and Paris 2024 Olympics demonstrates France’s capacity to handle high visitor volumes.
- Domestic Tourism: The strength of domestic travel ensures economic resilience even in times of international disruption.
- Government Support: Pro-tourism policies and stimulus packages supported the industry’s recovery and positioned it for accelerated future growth.
France’s Tourism Future: Balancing Innovation and Sustainability
To sustain its growth trajectory, France is actively working on:
- Diversifying tourism regions to spread benefits beyond Paris and major cities
- Enhancing digital services for tourists, including smart transport and real-time visitor tools
- Committing to sustainability by promoting eco-tourism and green certifications for hospitality operators
- Attracting high-value visitors through premium cultural and culinary experiences
These strategies aim to future-proof France’s tourism industry while maintaining its leadership on the global stage.
Conclusion
With momentum from a historic 2024, France is on track to reach unprecedented heights in 2025 and beyond. Supported by strategic investment, sustainable tourism planning, and unmatched cultural appeal, France’s Travel & Tourism sector is well-positioned to continue driving economic growth and employment. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a repeat explorer, France remains the heartbeat of global tourism — and its best days are still ahead.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
