The French travel and tourism sector broke records in 2023 and aims to break them this year

A new report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals that the French tourism industry saw a significant six percent year-on-year increase in its contribution to GDP last year, reaching a new record of €246 billion.

According to the same source, the travel and tourism sector is also on track to contribute an unprecedented amount of €254.7 billion to the economy in 2024, an eight percent increase compared to 2019 and accounting for nine percent of the GDP of France, the Schengen area .News reports.

New records related to visitor interest in the upcoming Olympic Games

The sector is expected to create almost 2.93 million jobs this year, an increase of over 76,000 from the previous record. At the same time, spending by both foreign and domestic tourists will reach new highs, with forecasts of €70.3 billion and €138.8 billion respectively.

France is setting unprecedented records in travel and tourism, cementing its status as the world’s premier travel destination and securing its position on the global stage. This success is not only visible in the data. Building on the momentum of their triumphant Rugby World Cup, France continues to excite visitors as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games later this year.

In 2023, the industry generated over 172,000. new jobs, increasing total employment in the industry to almost 2.9 million, or 4.7%. more compared to 2019 levels. However, travel and tourism now account for one in 11 jobs in France.

The WTTC report further shows that the country welcomed a significant influx of international tourists who spent 66.7 billion euros. In comparison, this national spending increased to 135 billion euros, exceeding 2019 by one percent and one percent respectively.

WTTC forecasts show that in the coming decade, France will see significant growth in key areas such as economic growth, employment and spending by foreign and domestic tourists.

France will retain its crown as the most popular destination for foreign arrivals in 2024

As a result, projections show that by 2034, the travel and tourism sector will stimulate the French economy with approximately €310.5 billion, representing 9.6% of total economic output. Moreover, the sector is also expected to be a major driver of job creation, employing approximately 3.4 million people across the country – 11%.

Previous WTTC data showed that since the number of international arrivals to France in the first half of 2024 was 93% compared to the same period in 2019, France decided to maintain its position as the most popular destination for international arrivals in the world in 2024.