France Reports 2025 Tourism Results – 9% Visitor Increase
France tourism is booming! It is the most visited country in the world. With 102 million visitors, France records another strong increase in tourism revenue of +9%.
Serge Papin, Minister for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Trade, Crafts, Tourism and Purchasing Power, presented the tourism results for 2025 on Thursday, February 19. France confirmed its position as the world’s leading tourist destination. Notably, the economic impact of tourism in France increased significantly in 2025: up 9% compared with 2024. International France tourism receipts reached a record €77.5 billion ($91.3 billion USD), along with a positive tourism balance of payments of €20.1 billion ($23.7 billion USD).
Despite competition from other destinations, France remains the leader and reaffirms its ambition to reach €100 billion ($118 billion USD) in tourism receipts by 2030. The country’s goal is to become the world’s leading sustainable tourism destination. “France is a great tourism country. We should be proud of it—and above all remain so.” said Serge Papin.
<h5>In France: More Visitors and Higher Tourism Revenues</h5>
In 2025, France welcomed 102 million international tourists (compared to 100 million in 2024). This represents 743 million overnight stays in both commercial and non-commercial accommodations (+2% compared with 2024). 76% came from European visitors. In commercial accommodations, overnight stays grew by +7.5% compared with 2024 (261.2 million).
European visitors (Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands) confirmed their importance (+5% overnight stays). Germany showing particularly strong growth (+9%) and North American visitors increased sharply (more than +10% for the United States). Asian markets remain below pre-Covid levels but are making a noticeable comeback. The Japanese market is rebounding faster than the Chinese market.
International France tourism receipts rose by 9% in one year to a record €77.5 billion ($91.3 billion USD). The France tourism balance of payments is positive at €20.1 billion ($23.7 billion USD). Domestic tourism consumption reached €222 billion ($261.4 billion USD) in 2025.
This strong performance follows an already excellent 2024 (100 million visitors reached, 12% increase in international tourism revenue). This was primarily due to the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris.
The momentum of tourism in France therefore goes beyond the appeal of major international events. It is the result of a strategy developed to strengthen the contribution of international tourism to the French economy. It enabled France to reaffirm its ambition to reach €100 billion ($118 billion USD) in tourism revenue by 2030.
Average spending per international tourist increased by 7%, reaching €760 ($895 USD) per stay. The gap in international tourism receipts between France and Spain (€105 billion, $124 billion USD) has stabilized (-36% in 2025 vs. -38% in 2024).
<h5>A Strong Domestic Market</h5>
With 835 million overnight stays in commercial and non-commercial accommodation, France remains the preferred destination for French residents. Overnight stays by French travelers abroad increased by 4% (248 million nights), with Mediterranean destinations leading the way. In commercial accommodation, overnight stays by French residents rose by +3%, driven by tourist rentals (+6.6%) and outdoor accommodation (+4%).
Southern regions (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Occitanie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine) account for just over 50% of annual overnight stays by French residents. Summer remains the core of tourism activity, with the third quarter alone accounting for 43% of commercial overnight stays.
In 2025, French travelers made more trips abroad, spending €57.4 billion ($67.6 billion USD), +4% compared with 2024.
<h5>Outlook for 2026: Encouraging Prospects</h5>
At the start of the year, French residents are favoring domestic holidays and nearby destinations (30% plan to stay within their own region). However, intentions to travel abroad are up +4% compared with 2025.
For international visitors, the year has started well, with airline bookings up over three months compared to last year: Mexico (+19%), China (+17%), Canada (+7%), and Spain (+8%). Mountain destinations are expected to perform well again. With forecast occupancy rates up +1.3 percentage points across all accommodations for the 2025/2026 season.
<h5>France: A Tourism Leader That Must Remain So</h5>
“Tourism is a winning bet: it is a sector that is performing well and continues to contribute to national wealth. Let us be proud of our position as the world’s leading destination; many envy us for it. Some even manage to generate more revenue. Because ultimately, tourism is a competitive sector like any other sector of the economy, and one in which we have to fight. And we are going to fight: we are a great tourism nation, and this must benefit everyone, in all regions,” said Serge Papin at the presentation of this 2025 report.
<h5>The Minister also outlined his priorities:</h5>
Tourism for all : diversifying destinations, improving accessibility, supporting local economic development, and broadening the tourism offer. All of which are levers to reach €100 billion ($118 billion USD) in receipts by 2030. A single online portal for holiday assistance has been launched to support access to vacations for all families.
Sustainable tourism: France has preserved natural and historic sites and invested in sustainable tourism with the goal of becoming the leading sustainable tourism destination by 2030. With that goal in mind, this is the first year that several indicators were put in place to better understand the ecological impact. Tourism accounts for 11% of national greenhouse gas emissions, three-quarters of which come from transport.
Energy consumption is stable despite increased accommodation supply, representing 0.85% of France’s total electricity consumption. Average water consumption per overnight stay is 240 liters in hotels and 183 liters in outdoor accommodations. To achieve the ambitious goal, the government is rolling out several initiatives: adopting water conservation plans developed between the state and professional federations, quantifying and monitoring the sector’s carbon footprint, supporting tourism stakeholders in understanding biodiversity protection, implementing a tourist flow management strategy, rolling out labels for accessibility and eco-responsibility.
<h5>Investment Focus: Strong Investment Cycle Followed by Normalization</h5>
After an exceptional investment cycle (€21 billion/$24 billion USD annually on average between 2022 and 2024), prospects remain positive for 2025. This surge enabled a rapid upgrading of France’s tourism offer, including a +22% increase in 4- and 5-star hotels and a +30% increase in 5-star outdoor lodging.
The decline in 2024 (€18.7 billion/$22 billion USD) reflects a normalization phase due to the end of COVID-19 recovery measures, higher interest rates, and a more uncertain economic climate. For 2025, industry professionals expect favorable prospects supported by a strong project pipeline and continued private investment. Investment in the tourism sector will continue with a forthcoming plan to analyze trends for the next ten years. The Minister also reminded everyone that France must continue to recruit new talent in the sector. To that end, Tourism Careers Week 2026 features more than 2,000 events nationwide.
