France smashes tourism records: 102 million visitors and €77.5 billion in 2025

France has once again cemented its position as the world’s most visited destination, welcoming 102 million international tourists in 2025 – up from 100 million in 2024 – while posting a sharp 9% jump in tourism revenues.

Presenting the annual results on February 19, Tourism Minister Serge Papin hailed what he described as a “winning bet” for the French economy.

International tourism receipts reached a historic €77.5 billion in 2025, according to Banque de France data, generating a positive tourism balance of €20.1 billion. “Our tourism sector is delivering near double-digit growth. And it also proves that France continues to attract, captivate, and inspire the entire world,” told the Minister.

France is now setting its sights on an ambitious target: €100 billion in international tourism receipts by 2030, alongside a pledge to become the world’s leading sustainable tourism destination.

More visitors, stronger spending

International arrivals translated into 743 million overnight stays across commercial and non-commercial accommodations, up 2% year-on-year. European markets accounted for 76% of total stays.

Commercial accommodations performed particularly well, with overnight stays rising 7.5% to 261.2 million. Key European source markets – Italy, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands – posted a combined 5% increase in nights, while Germany surged ahead with 9% growth.

North America delivered standout gains, with US arrivals climbing by more than 10%. Asian markets are still trailing pre-pandemic levels, but momentum is building. Japan is rebounding faster than China, signaling a gradual recovery in long-haul demand.

Beyond volume, visitor spending is accelerating. Average spend per international tourist rose 7% to €760 per trip. Domestic tourism consumption – covering both resident and international visitor spending in France – reached €222 billion in 2025.

The performance follows a strong 2024, boosted by the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games and the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris, but officials stress that growth is now driven by broader structural strategy rather than one-off mega-events.

Domestic market remains resilient

However, French travelers continue to anchor the sector. Across mainland France and overseas territories, total overnight stays (commercial and non-commercial) reached 835 million, confirming France as the preferred destination for its own residents.

Commercial accommodation nights by French travelers rose 3%, led by vacation rentals (+6.6%) and open-air camping (+4%). Southern regions – Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Occitanie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Nouvelle-Aquitaine – accounted for more than half of annual domestic nights.

Summer remains peak season, with the third quarter representing 43% of commercial overnight stays.

Outbound travel by French residents also grew. Overnight stays abroad rose 4% to 248 million, with Mediterranean destinations leading. French spending overseas increased 4% to €57.4 billion.

Encouraging signs for 2026

Early indicators for 2026 point to continued momentum. Around 30% of French travelers planning vacations intend to stay within their own region, although outbound travel intentions are up 4% year-on-year.

Internationally, forward air bookings for the first quarter are trending upward. Mexico (+19%), China (+17%) and Canada (+7%) show particularly strong gains. Spain is also performing well, with bookings up 8%.

Mountain destinations are forecast to post solid winter results, with occupancy rates projected to rise 1.3 percentage points for the 2025/26 season.

Sustainable leadership in focus

Papin emphasized that global competition remains intense – noting that Spain’s tourism revenues still exceed France’s – but insisted France will defend its leadership position.

Government priorities now center on broadening access to travel, diversifying destinations across the country, supporting local economic development and accelerating the shift to sustainable tourism. Initiatives include water conservation plans, carbon footprint monitoring, biodiversity protection, visitor flow management strategies and expanded eco-labeling and accessibility standards.

France is therefore positioning tourism not only as a growth engine – but as a long-term national strategy.

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