France's Travel Boom: Record-Breaking Year for Tourism

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 23, 2024 12:34 PMNews
Share:
Eiffel Tower in Paris at sunset
Paris remains the top destination globally. Source: unsplash

France has shattered records in its Travel & Tourism sector, achieving a phenomenal year of growth. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the industry’s contribution to GDP soared by nearly 6%, reaching an unprecedented €246 billion in 2023.

Travel & Tourism in France climbed 4.3% above its previous peak, now accounting for 8.8% of the country's total economic output. This highlights a remarkable year of progress and expansion for the sector.

The WTTC, in partnership with Oxford Economics, found that the tourism boom created over 172,000 new jobs, pushing the total to almost 2.9 million. This 4.7% rise from 2019 levels cements tourism's role as a critical driver of employment in France.

International tourists injected a substantial €66.7 billion into the French economy, while domestic travel spending surged to €135 billion, both surpassing pre-pandemic figures. These numbers underscore tourism's pivotal role in economic growth and job creation, with Paris remaining the top destination for global travelers.

Looking ahead to 2024, the French Travel & Tourism sector is poised for even greater heights, with an expected economic contribution of over €254.7 billion, an 8% increase from 2019. This sector will support 2.93 million jobs, further solidifying its status as an economic powerhouse.

Tourist spending is forecasted to hit new records, with international visitors expected to spend €70.3 billion and domestic travelers €138.8 billion. The upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in France later this year are likely to further boost these figures, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson applauded France's extraordinary achievements, noting President Macron's efforts to highlight tourism’s economic significance and global influence. Building on the success of the Rugby World Cup, France is set to captivate even more visitors as it gears up for the 2024 Games.

The WTTC predicts a bright future for France’s Travel & Tourism industry. By 2034, the sector is expected to contribute €310.5 billion to the economy, making up 9.6% of the total economic landscape. Employment is projected to rise to 3.4 million jobs, representing 11% of the workforce.

The next decade promises transformative growth for France’s Travel & Tourism, ushering in a golden age of prosperity, innovation, and connectivity, making it an exciting time for both visitors and the industry alike.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM