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Tourism In France Statistics: Market Report & Data

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Highlights: Tourism In France Statistics

  • In 2018, around 89.4 million foreign tourists visited France.
  • Tourism contributed nearly 60 billion euros to the French GDP in 2019.
  • The tourism industry provided more than 2 million jobs in France, accounting for about 7.4% of total employment in 2019.
  • Paris-Ile-de-France received 50 million tourists, both French and foreign in 2019
  • After the Paris region, the most popular tourist regions in 2019 were Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Occitanie.
  • France's tourism sector saw an annual loss of €61 Billion in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Over 60% of tourists visiting France in 2019 were from Europe.
  • 10.4 million American tourists visited France in 2019, making the United States the second-largest source of foreign tourists.
  • The Eiffel Tower drew approximately 6.9 million visitors in 2019.
  • The Louvre Museum welcomed approximately 9.6 million visitors in 2019.
  • Nearly 20% of France's overnight stays in 2019 were in hotels.
  • Over 40% of tourists visiting France prefer self-catering accommodation.
  • 19% of international tourists visiting France came for business purposes in 2019.
  • 46% of foreign tourists visited France primarily for its culture and heritage in 2019.
  • Baby boomers (age 55-75) make up the largest demographic of tourists in France at 41%.
  • Disneyland Paris had about 9.7 million visitors in 2019, the most of any theme park in Europe.
  • French gastronomy attracts nearly a third of international tourists.
  • In 2017, France was designated the world's top destination for wine tourism, with 24% of the global share.
  • About 30% of foreign visitors to France go skiing during their stay.

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Table of Contents

Delve into the captivating world of tourism in France through the lens of statistics. This blog post provides an insightful journey that unveils the fascinating numerical landscape of one of the globe’s most visited destinations. We will explore statistical data on visitor numbers, spending trends, favored attractions, and other aspects that shape the enigmatic allure and economic impact of France’s tourism. These revealing figures paint a detailed portrait of the country’s tourism industry, highlighting its trends and prospects in an ever-evolving global travel market.

The Latest Tourism In France Statistics Unveiled

In 2018, around 89.4 million foreign tourists visited France.

The staggering statistic revealing that approximately 89.4 million foreign tourists graced France with their presence in 2018, injects a compelling narrative into our exploration of French tourism statistics. This number demonstrates France’s prodigious allure as a global destination, profoundly influencing its economy and culture. It serves as a testament to France’s magnetic appeal, drawing in masses from different corners of the globe. This figure becomes a yardstick to evaluate the efficacy of France’s tourism strategies, the dynamism of their hospitality industry, and the consequential multinational interactions shaping the national sociocultural milieu.

Tourism contributed nearly 60 billion euros to the French GDP in 2019.

Painting the economic picture of the French tourism industry, the staggering €60 billion contribution to the GDP in 2019 explicitly underscores its profuse vitality. Not only does this denote France’s position as a go-to destination for global voyagers, it’s also a testament to the economic jogwheel that the tourism sector is, yielding considerable revenue, driving job creation, and powering small and large businesses alike. This substantial contribution is an economic beacon, representing the cascading effect tourism holds over multiple sectors, from hospitality to retail, making it an essential thread in France’s economic tapestry.

The tourism industry provided more than 2 million jobs in France, accounting for about 7.4% of total employment in 2019.

Highlighting the impressive figure that the tourism industry in France secured over 2 million employment opportunities—which signifies roughly 7.4% of all employment in 2019—crisply draws attention to the substantial socio-economic influence the sector wields within the country. In an investigation of French tourism data, this revelation underscores tourism’s crucial role not just as a magnet for international visitors, but correspondingly as a potent domestic job engine. Such a statistic firmly sets the stage for deeper reflection on tourism’s multifaceted impact and its potential to spur further economic growth and job creation in France.

Paris-Ile-de-France received 50 million tourists, both French and foreign in 2019

Positioning the city of lights at the heart of the French tourism narrative, the striking figure of Paris-Ile-de-France drawing a staggering crowd of 50 million tourists, locals and internationals combined, in 2019 vividly depicts the city’s allure and magnetic charm. It underlines the pivotal role of Paris as a leading tourist destination, demonstrating its contribution to France’s tourism industry. This statistic paints a compelling story of cultural allure, robust tourism infrastructure, and economic significance, inviting a thoughtful analysis of the trends, tourist behaviors, and underlying factors casting Paris as an irresistible magnet for millions.

After the Paris region, the most popular tourist regions in 2019 were Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Occitanie.

Highlighting the popularity of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Occitanie regions as top tourist sites in France, second only to Paris, provides a novel perspective in a blog post about French tourism. Showcasing their strong performance enhances the comprehensive image of France as a much-coveted destination beyond the capital, and emphasizes the country’s diverse cultural and geographic allure. This further edifies readers of the rich tapestry of experiences France has to offer, challenging the typical Paris-centric narrative and promoting a fuller exploration of Francophone delights.

France’s tourism sector saw an annual loss of €61 Billion in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Peering into the devastating ripple effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the French tourism industry, it’s undeniable that the crippling €61 billion annual loss suffered in 2020 emerged as a wash of icy realism over France’s traditionally vibrant tourist heartbeat. This astronomical figure underscores the urgency of recovery efforts, as it represents not only the sudden evaporation of a significant revenue stream but also links to countless jobs, businesses and even entire communities that rely heavily on the tourism industry. An impact of this magnitude illuminates the symbiotic relationship of France’s tourism with its economic health, underscoring the critical significance of its revival in the post-pandemic global landscape.

Over 60% of tourists visiting France in 2019 were from Europe.

Peeling back the layers of France’s tourism industry, one cannot ignore the whopping 60% representation of European visitors in 2019. This clearly shades a picture of a thriving intracontinental interest, painting France as a favored destination for neighboring Europeans. Thus, this vital statistic fuels understanding of important patterns and preferences in tourism demographics, which is indispensable in crafting effective tourism strategies and marketing campaigns. Aligning with such insights can bolster France’s allure and help maintain, even heighten, its reign as a global tourism giant.

10.4 million American tourists visited France in 2019, making the United States the second-largest source of foreign tourists.

In an exploration of Tourism in France, an intriguing perspective emerges from the statistic that identified 10.4 million American tourists flocking to France in 2019, turning the United States into the second-largest contributor of international visitors. This indicates a significant cultural exchange, economic impact in terms of travel and tourism-related expenses, as well as the scope for potential market growth. Not only does it reflect preferences for travel destinations among American tourists, but it also sheds light on the trans-Atlantic tourism flows and, by extension, on the global recognition of France as a highly sought-after destination.

The Eiffel Tower drew approximately 6.9 million visitors in 2019.

Illuminating the allure of one of France’s crowning jewels, the Eiffel Tower, the 2019 statistic of around 6.9 million visitors serves to underscore the immense gravitational pull of French tourism. This figure serves as the beating heart within a blog post on French Tourism Statistics, rendering tangible the magnetic appeal of France’s national icon. With colors and contours depicting the pulse of travel-thirsty tourists swarming towards the architectural marvel, it lays bare the significance of the Eiffel Tower to France’s illustrious status on the global tourism stage. It’s more than just a number, it’s a testament to the emblematic draw of French culture, heritage, and the ineffable allure of the Eiffel Tower.

The Louvre Museum welcomed approximately 9.6 million visitors in 2019.

Without a doubt, the staggering 9.6 million visitors count of the Louvre Museum in 2019 attests to the magnetic appeal of French culture to global tourists. As a linchpin in Tourism in France statistics, this figure not only delineates France’s place in the world as a premier destination for art and history enthusiasts but also underlines the tourism industry’s significant contribution to the national economy. Highlighting such a statistic in a blog post would assist in providing readers an incisive insight into the sheer volume of tourist influx that France – Paris, in specific – deals with annually, thereby offering a vivid depiction of the country’s tourism landscape.

Nearly 20% of France’s overnight stays in 2019 were in hotels.

In the tableau of French tourism analysis, the data highlighting that almost 20% of overnight stays in 2019 were hotel-bound paints an intriguing portrait. It underscores the inherent dependency of the country’s hospitality sector on tourists, and hence, sheds light on broader economic implications. Moreover, this statistic propels insights into tourist behavior, preferences, and spending patterns, acting as a crucial compass for businesses in developing attractive packages to reinforce France’s status as a world-class tourist destination. Overall, it intertwines the tapestry of the tourism industry— unmasking the intersection of economic impact, consumer behavior, and potential growth propellers.

Over 40% of tourists visiting France prefer self-catering accommodation.

Unveiling the preference of over 40% of tourists, who lean towards self-catering accommodation when in France, subtly challenges the hospitality industry to evolve, fueling an insightful discussion on the changing dynamics of travel habits in the blog post about “Tourism In France Statistics”. It paints a vivid picture of the current tourist flow, suggesting potential growth in areas like vacation rentals, serviced apartments, and luxury villas, while simultaneously prompting hotels to rethink their strategies. Such data can be instrumental for businesses, regulatory bodies, and even tourists, in sculpting their choices, policies and strategies, thereby enhancing the French tourism experience.

19% of international tourists visiting France came for business purposes in 2019.

In the grand tapestry of French tourism data, the thread revealing ‘19% of international tourists visiting France in 2019 did so for business purposes’ adds an intriguing texture. It juxtaposes with our romantic notions of France as a leisure-oriented destination, underscoring the country’s significance in the global business sphere. For those aiming to understand the full picture of tourism in France, this isn’t a splash of wine to be overlooked—a near fifth of travelers aren’t here for the Eiffel tower or the Riviera, but rather, deals and handshakes. Just as this strengthens France’s image as a commercial hub, it affords the blog readers valuable insights about potential audiences—be it fellow entrepreneurs or establishments seeking to cater to these business travelers.

46% of foreign tourists visited France primarily for its culture and heritage in 2019.

Illuminating the penchant of international visitors for France’s rich culture and heritage, the statistic divulges that a staggering 46% of foreign tourists in 2019 were drawn primarily by these factors. This pivotal detail not only underscores the immense appeal of France’s cultural and historical allure, but also helps delineate the unique aspects driving France’s vibrant tourism sector. In the context of a blog post about Tourism In France Statistics, this statistic contributes a vivid stroke towards painting a holistic picture of trends, preferences, and patterns shaping the international appeal of the French tourism industry.

Baby boomers (age 55-75) make up the largest demographic of tourists in France at 41%.

A colorful swath of the French tourism tapestry, capturing 41%, is stitched together by the active and affluent Baby Boomer generation, aged 55-75. Unraveling this demographic tapestry further reveals critical insights. It underscores the influential role this mature age demographic plays, with their pursuit of rich cultural experiences, fine cuisine, and world-renowned vineyards shaping the rhythm of France’s tourism industry. It’s a demographic pulse the tourism industry cannot ignore, given their significant contribution to the industry’s revenue and their potential demand for tailored services and experiences. Such statistical revelations guide strategic decision-making, from marketing campaigns to service provision, for stakeholders aiming to ensnare increasing parts of this lucrative and explorative generation.

Disneyland Paris had about 9.7 million visitors in 2019, the most of any theme park in Europe.

Captivating a commanding spot at the zenith of Europe’s theme park domain, Disneyland Paris lured a spectacular crowd of about 9.7 million visitors in 2019 alone. This number provides a vivid illustration of France’s magnetic appeal in the global tourism arena. In the ecosystem of France’s tourism statistics, the Disneyland Paris factoid acts as a potent testimony to the country’s extensive leisure offerings and serves as an indicator of its robust tourism industry. This thread of solid statistical evidence, weaving through the tapestry of the blog post on Tourism In France, strikingly underscores the nation’s prowess in juxtaposition with its European counterparts.

French gastronomy attracts nearly a third of international tourists.

In the realm of French tours and travel data, the statistic stating ‘French gastronomy attracts nearly a third of international tourists’ plays a pivotal role. This compelling figure points to the undeniable gastronomic allure of the French culture which serves as an essential magnet attracting a significant chunk of the global tourist population. It illuminates the weight that French culinary experiences hold in enhancing the tourism sector of the country and signifies the potential that lies within for the industry’s potential strategic maneuvers, positioning, and growth. Ultimately, it’s a vibrant testimony of France’s global gastro-diplomacy and its potential to leverage it even further for enhancing its touristic appeal and economic gains.

In 2017, France was designated the world’s top destination for wine tourism, with 24% of the global share.

Highlighting the fact that in 2017, France clinched the honor of being the world’s leading destination for wine tourism, boasting 24% of the global market, becomes a pivotal point in our dissection of Tourism in France statistics. Wine enthusiasts are a significant segment of global tourists, eager to relish the bouquet of vintage wines in romantic vineyards. As such, the dominance of France in this niche market underscores its magnetic allure for tourists, strengthening its overall tourism profile. It also indicates the potential for meaningful investment in its wine tourism sector, which could spawn new jobs, uplift local economies and further bolster France’s tourism industry as a powerful force in the global arena.

About 30% of foreign visitors to France go skiing during their stay.

Delving into the realm of tourism in France, it’s fascinating to observe that about a third of foreign visitors opt to ski during their stay. This information presents an intriguing dimension to the typical perception of France’s allure, indicating that apart from the historical charm of Parisian monuments or serene vineyards, the country’s wintry offerings also hold a significant appetite among tourists. For stakeholders in France’s tourism sector, such as planners, tour operators, and hoteliers, this shows noticeable potential for growth in winter sports-related services, and could encourage a deeper focus on developing and promoting ski tourism.

Conclusion

The statistical analysis of tourism in France uncovers its significant contribution to the economy, alongside its influence on the cultural landscape. Despite occasional fluctuations due to external factors such as global pandemics or socio-economic changes nationally, the resilience and appeal of France’s rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine consistently attract millions of tourists each year. The insights gained through this study encourage further exploration of sustainable practices to ensure the longevity and prosperity of France’s essential tourism sector.

References

0. – https://www.www.france.fr

1. – https://www.en.france-montagnes.com

2. – https://www.www.forbes.com

3. – https://www.www.bfmtv.com

4. – https://www.www.statista.com

5. – https://www.www.lalanguefrancaise.com

6. – https://www.www.louvre.fr

7. – https://www.www.washingtonpost.com

8. – https://www.about-france.com

9. – https://www.www.tourism-review.com

10. – https://www.fortune.com

11. – https://www.uk.france.fr

12. – https://www.travelstacks.com

13. – https://www.pro.visitparisregion.com

FAQs

Which is the most visited city in France?

The most visited city in France is Paris, the capital. It is admired for its historic sites, such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

How many tourists visit France annually?

France is one of the world's leading tourist destinations with about 90 million foreign tourists visiting each year pre-pandemic. However, these numbers may temporarily diminish due to travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Which region/area in France is most popular among tourists and why?

Aside from Paris, the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur) is extremely popular due to its beautiful Mediterranean beaches, stunning scenery, and glamorous lifestyle. Provence and Normandy are also top choices because of their unique landscapes and rich histories.

How does tourism contribute to France's economy?

Tourism plays a significant role in France's economy. It represents about 7.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and directly employs approximately 2 million people. It is a vital source of income, particularly for regions where other industries may be less developed.

What are the top attractions recommended for tourists in France?

Top attractions in France include iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles, Mont Saint Michel, and the French Riviera. Additionally, the wine regions of Bordeaux and Champagne, the historic region of Normandy, and the country's beautiful national parks are all highly recommended.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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