≡-France Surges Ahead as Global Tourism Powerhouse with Record-Breaking Growth While Protecting Economic Impact and Cultural Heritage in 2024 and Beyond – Viral of Today
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Home » France Travel News » France Surges Ahead as Global Tourism Powerhouse with Record-Breaking Growth While Protecting Economic Impact and Cultural Heritage in 2024 and Beyond Thursday, June 19, 2025France has firmly reasserted its dominance as a global tourism powerhouse in 2024, achieving record-breaking growth across economic, employment, and visitor benchmarks while simultaneously reinforcing protections for its cultural heritage and long-term economic resilience. With fresh data confirming a surge in international arrivals and a monumental contribution of over €266 billion to the national economy, France’s travel and tourism sector not only surpassed pre-pandemic levels but also set new standards for sustainable tourism leadership. This impressive performance reflects a strategic balance between growth and preservation—fueling job creation, boosting local businesses, and enhancing global appeal, all while safeguarding the rich cultural legacy that draws millions to its cities, villages, and landmarks.France’s Travel & Tourism Sector Achieves Historic Milestone in 2024, Poised for Even Greater Success in 2025France’s Travel & Tourism industry has reached an unprecedented milestone in 2024, setting new records in economic impact, job creation, and visitor spending. Backed by fresh data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and research partner Oxford Economics, France has further cemented its global status as the world’s most visited country. The sector’s robust performance underscores its vital role in the French economy and sets the stage for continued expansion in 2025 and beyond.Record-Breaking Economic Performance in 2024In 2024, the Travel & Tourism sector in France contributed an impressive €266.2 billion to the national economy. This marks a ten-point-one percent increase over pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and represents approximately nine-point-one percent of France’s total gross domestic product (GDP). The recovery and subsequent growth showcase the sector’s resilience and strategic importance in driving economic momentum.Employment figures within the industry mirrored this economic success, with three million jobs supported by Travel & Tourism. This includes three hundred thousand more positions than were recorded in 2019, reflecting a solid rebound in workforce demand as travel confidence and spending rebounded sharply.Visitor Spending Soars Across MarketsBoth international and domestic visitor spending played key roles in lifting the sector’s economic footprint. International travelers spent a total of €72.5 billion in 2024, marking a strong recovery and a seven-point-one percent rise from peak pre-pandemic figures. Simultaneously, domestic travel reached new heights, with spending totaling €142.1 billion — an increase of five-point-seven percent compared to 2019 levels.This balance between inbound and domestic tourism highlights the depth and diversity of France’s tourism appeal. From iconic landmarks and historic cities to world-renowned cuisine and rural getaways, France continues to captivate a broad spectrum of travelers.2025 Outlook: Continued Growth on All FrontsLooking ahead, the WTTC projects an even stronger performance in 2025. The sector is expected to contribute €274.2 billion to the French economy, increasing its share of GDP to nine-point-three percent. Job creation is forecast to reach 3.1 million, meaning nearly one in ten workers in France will be employed within the Travel & Tourism ecosystem.International visitor spending is anticipated to grow to €75.1 billion, while domestic tourism spending is projected to rise to €144.2 billion. These gains reflect enduring demand, underpinned by France’s excellent tourism infrastructure, diverse attractions, and supportive policy environment.The forecast indicates that France’s tourism momentum is not a temporary rebound but rather a sustained period of growth powered by innovation, strategic investment, and evolving consumer preferences.2035 Vision: A Decade of Dynamic ExpansionWTTC’s long-term projections suggest a bright and prosperous decade for France’s tourism industry. By 2035, Travel & Tourism could generate up to €308.4 billion annually — nearly nine-point-four percent of GDP. Additionally, employment in the sector could grow to 3.5 million jobs, representing more than eleven percent of all jobs in the country.These long-term gains are expected to be driven by increased global travel demand, advances in sustainable tourism, digital innovation, and continued emphasis on premium and experiential travel offerings. France is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends thanks to its well-established brand and ongoing efforts to enhance both visitor experience and environmental sustainability.Tourism Growth Across the European UnionFrance’s exceptional performance is part of a wider European resurgence in travel. In 2024, the Travel & Tourism industry across the European Union contributed almost €1.8 trillion to regional GDP, accounting for more than ten percent of the EU’s total economic output. This figure represents a nearly six percent rise above pre-pandemic levels in 2019.Employment across the EU also experienced significant growth, with the sector supporting 24.6 million jobs in 2024 — an increase of 4.7 percent year-over-year. This translates to roughly one in every nine jobs in the European Union being tied to the tourism industry.Projections for 2025 suggest even stronger performance, with the EU’s Travel & Tourism sector expected to reach €1.9 trillion in GDP contribution. Employment is also set to climb to 25.7 million jobs, representing around twelve percent of the total regional workforce.France has emerged as a global tourism leader in 2024, delivering record-breaking economic gains while protecting its cultural heritage and ensuring sustainable growth for the future.France’s soaring tourism performance reflects more than just a post-pandemic recovery — it signals the evolution of a resilient, adaptable, and innovative industry. As international and domestic demand continues to grow, France is not only leading the European tourism renaissance but is also shaping the future of global travel. With strong economic foundations, world-class attractions, and strategic foresight, France is set to thrive in 2025 and well into the next decade.
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