Record 102 Million International Visitors Confirm France’s Global Tourism Leadership
By Staff Reporter | Paris | February 27, 2026
PARIS — France has retained its position as the world’s leading tourist destination after welcoming a record 102 million international visitors in 2025, according to the country’s annual tourism performance report.
The figure marks an increase of 2 million visitors compared to 2024, representing 3% year-over-year growth and a 13% rise over 2019 levels, underscoring the sector’s full recovery and continued global appeal.
Tourism Minister Serge Papin praised the results during the presentation of the 2025 report, highlighting the resilience and attractiveness of the French tourism model. Additional performance insights were shared by Atout France Director General Adam Oubuih and agency President Christian Mantei.
A Narrow but Steady Lead Over Spain
France maintained a modest lead over Spain, which recorded approximately 97 million international visitors in 2025. The gap between the two nations stands at roughly 5 million tourists, or about 5%.
While France led Spain by a much wider margin in 2022 — with 77 million visitors compared to Spain’s 52 million — the competition has intensified in recent years. In the early 2000s, both countries attracted nearly equal visitor numbers, reflecting long-term shifts in global travel preferences.
More significantly, France’s advantage widens when it comes to revenue. The tourism revenue gap stabilized at around 36% in 2025, slightly down from 38% in 2024, demonstrating France’s stronger yield per visitor.
Strong Growth from Key Markets
European markets drove much of the expansion, with overnight stays increasing by 5%.
North American tourism recorded particularly robust performance, with hotel sector growth of 17%. More than 5 million American travelers visited French destinations in 2025, despite economic uncertainties and diplomatic headwinds.
Spending levels also strengthened:
- Average expenditure per tourist: €760 per stay (+7%)
- Total international tourism revenues: €77.5 billion (+9%)
- Tourism balance surplus: €20.1 billion
According to France’s Ministry of the Economy and Finance, the tourism sector continues to contribute positively to the country’s balance of payments.
Ambitious Targets: €100 Billion by 2030
Minister Papin reaffirmed France’s long-term objective of reaching €100 billion in annual tourism revenues by 2030, a target initially set under former Prime Minister François Bayrou.
The national tourism strategy emphasizes:
- Sustainable tourism development
- “Tourism for all” accessibility initiatives
- Regional diversification of visitor flows
- Higher-value experiences over volume-driven growth
Papin highlighted that four out of ten French citizens do not take holidays, calling the issue a structural challenge. A newly launched digital portal consolidates 22 holiday assistance programs supported by the National Agency for Holiday Vouchers (ANCV) to improve domestic accessibility.
However, affordability pressures remain. Between 2019 and 2025:
- The share of 4- and 5-star hotels increased by 22%
- The number of overall hotels remained stable
- 5-star campsite pitches rose by 30%
The premiumization trend has enhanced quality but limited budget-friendly supply for some households.
Debate Over Summer School Holidays
Tourism authorities are also reviewing the structure of summer school holidays. Former President Emmanuel Macron previously suggested shortening the extended break period.
Minister Papin described the issue as complex, requiring a balance between educational policy and tourism economics. France marks 90 years of paid vacations in 2026, adding historical significance to the debate. The current school zoning calendar dates back to the 1960s.
No formal decision has been made.
Changing Travel Patterns Among the French
While inbound tourism reached record levels, domestic travel showed signs of softening.
- Domestic overnight stays declined by 5%
- Outbound travel increased by 4%
- French travelers primarily chose Spain and Southern Europe
- French outbound spending rose to €57.4 billion (+4%)
Despite increased foreign travel by French residents, the tourism trade balance remained positive at €20.1 billion.
Early indicators for 2026 suggest continued expansion, with outbound travel intentions up another 4% compared to 2025.
Outlook for 2026
France’s tourism sector enters 2026 with strong momentum, combining record-breaking international arrivals with strategic reforms aimed at sustainability and inclusion.
With global competition intensifying — particularly from Spain — France’s challenge will be to maintain its leadership through value creation, diversified markets, and improved accessibility.
