France Remains World’s Most Popular Destination, New Report Reveals
France continues to be the world’s top destination for international tourists, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
In the first half of 2024, data from WTTC and its partner ForwardKeys indicated that France will record 93 per cent of international arrivals at 2019 levels, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
Such an increase in foreign arrivals is set to generate €220 billion for the national economy, benefiting Travel & Tourism businesses throughout the country and supporting 2.7 million livelihoods, as highlighted by the WTTC.
At the Destination France event in Chantilly hosted by President Macron, WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson commended France for acknowledging the economic and cultural significance of Travel & Tourism in job creation and GDP contribution.
President Macron recognises the real value Travel & Tourism brings to France in terms of the economy, jobs and its standing on the world stage. His support has ensured France remains the world’s most popular destination.
WTTC further pointed out that Paris remains the world’s most powerful city destination. In the first half of 2023, over half of the hotel classes in the French capital exceeded their 2019 occupancy levels, according to data from the WTTC knowledge partner, CoStar.
Moreover, Paris was chosen as the world’s top destination for 2023, according to a recent Euromonitor International report launched last month.
In addition to Paris, WTTC underscored that other French cities are becoming attractive destinations for international tourists this year.
Nice is among the top-performing European cities, with international arrivals expected to reach 94 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
In general terms, France has become a popular destination, especially among tourists from Spain, Canada, Ireland and South Korea as international arrivals from these countries have already surpassed the 2019 levels. According to the same source, foreign travellers are spending more as well.
With an increase in international arrivals, airlines are increasing capacity to meet global demand, expecting seat numbers to exceed 2019 levels this year.
Oliver Ponti, Vice President of Insights at ForwardKeys, noted that France started 2024 in a strong position.
Capitalising on the successful hosting of the Rugby World Cup 2023 and on the growing exposure provided by the upcoming Olympic Games, the country is set to be one of most sought-after destinations this year for both regional and long-haul markets.
Orly Airport in Paris experienced a 28 per cent rise in passenger capacity, reaching about eight million. Charles de Gaulle Airport, according to WTTC, is about to achieve 18.5 million in the first six months of this year, just three per cent less compared to 2019 levels.
Last year, WTTC’s research forecasted the French Travel & Tourism sector to increase at three per cent annually over the next decade and reach over €297 billion (9.7 per cent of the total economy).
WTTC further projected that the travel and tourism sector would generate 56,000 jobs annually, reaching approximately 3.3 million employed within the sector by 2033.
