France’s tourism sector achieved a historic milestone in 2024, welcoming over 100 million international visitors and generating €71 billion in international revenues to retain its title as the world’s most popular country to visit.
Key events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, and the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris all helped propel France’s global appeal in 2024, a year in which the nation welcomed upwards of 100 million tourists to its cities, villages, mountains, beaches, and countryside.
Tourism revenue grew by 12% year-on-year, with increases driven by Belgian, British, German, Swiss, and US tourists. In 2024, France recorded its highest-ever international tourism revenue of €71 billion.
Overnight stays by US visitors rose by 5%, while there was a marked rise in the number of Asian tourists. Chinese visitor numbers rose by 40% on 2023’s figures, and Japanese visitors increased by 20%—although neither has reached pre-COVID levels.
Domestic tourism also rose by a modest 2.8%, and rental accommodations experienced significant 12.5% growth. Ski resorts were major winners during the year-end holidays, achieving an 85% occupancy rate and a 5.5% increase in attendance compared to 2023.
Paris remains a top draw for France, as shown by a 35% growth in rentals in December.
The momentum is set to continue in 2025, with a projected 10% increase in international air arrivals in the first quarter and a seven-point rise in Paris hotel occupancy in January, while France’s Alpine destinations will continue to be a top choice for winter travellers.
Tourism Minister Nathalie Delattre has emphasised the need to capitalise on 2024’s success while advancing sustainable and inclusive tourism, saying, “Olympic and Paralympic Games, reopening of Notre-Dame, 80 years of the landing—the year 2024 has been an unprecedented and exceptional year for France. If these figures confirm our position as the world’s leading destination, we must take a new step by becoming the leading sustainable tourism destination.”
To achieve this, the Minister said there will need to be a shift in how France approaches tourism and attractions.
“The challenges to be met are numerous: improve the quality of the offer and spread attendance throughout the year, support the sector in its ecological and digital transition, strengthen the attractiveness of the professions, and ensure that social and inclusive tourism is preserved,” she said.
A Spanish contender
Close behind France in the global tourism rankings was its neighbour Spain, which welcomed a record 94 million foreign tourists in 2024. This is a 10% increase on the previous year and positions the Iberian nation as a close contender for the title of the world’s most popular destination.
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