The Eiffel Tower stands tall over the River Seine in Paris, France. Travel Pulse
France has once again claimed the title of the world’s most-visited country, welcoming 100 million international tourists and earning a remarkable €71 billion (approximately US$73.6 billion) in tourism revenue. This achievement comes after the country saw a significant increase in both visitors and revenue compared to 2023, according to the national tourism agency, Atout France.
In 2024, France experienced a surge of two million more visitors than the previous year, and the tourism industry generated 12% more revenue. This growth was fueled by major events, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, and the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris. These events not only boosted international travel to France but also made the country an even more popular destination.
A key factor in the rise of international visitors was the increased number of travelers from Northern Europe and North America. In particular, travelers from Belgium and Spain enjoyed a 5% and 3% increase in overnight stays, respectively. Visitors from North America also saw a 5% increase in their stays. Meanwhile, Chinese and Japanese tourists visited France 40% and 20% more often compared to 2023, although these numbers still fall short of pre-COVID travel levels. Overall, international visitors increased their overnight stays by 7.3%, and the country saw a 16.4% growth in rental accommodations.
In terms of revenue, the countries contributing the most to France’s tourism income included Belgium, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and the USA. These markets experienced revenue growth of 5% to 15% compared to 2023. However, revenue from Chinese and Japanese travelers is still significantly lower than before the pandemic, with a 60% drop in Chinese revenue and a 30% drop for Japanese visitors.
One of the standout trends in 2024 was the rise in tourists visiting French ski resorts. The country experienced excellent snow coverage, with ski resorts reaching 85% occupancy rates, marking a 3% increase from the previous year. About 71% of ski destinations saw more visitors, showing the growing popularity of France’s winter tourism.
Looking ahead to 2025, the first quarter of the year is expected to bring even more positive results for French tourism. Projections indicate a 10% increase in international air arrivals and a 7% increase in hotel occupancy in Paris. Notably, travelers from the USA, China, and India are expected to rise by 15%, 16%, and 7%, respectively.
Nathalie Delattre, the Minister Delegate for Tourism in France, highlighted that 2024 was an exceptional year for the country, with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the reopening of Notre-Dame, and the 80th anniversary of D-Day contributing to its record-breaking tourism numbers. However, she stressed the importance of making sustainable tourism a priority moving forward.
“We have a dual objective: to capitalize on this year, which has put France on the map worldwide, and to support the sector's transition,” Delattre said. She added that the government and tourism industry must work together to improve the quality of France’s tourism offerings, spread visitors throughout the year, and support the ecological and digital transitions in the sector.
