WTTC confirms 2024 as a record-breaking year as France continues to lead global Travel & Tourism

London, UK: France’s Travel & Tourism sector reached new historic heights in 2024 and is on track to exceed this exceptional performance throughout 2025, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council ( WTTC ).

The latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), produced in collaboration with Oxford Economics, confirms that in 2024, Travel & Tourism in France surpassed all previous records across economic contribution, employment, and visitor spending, solidifying the country’s leadership as the world’s most visited destination.

The sector contributed €266.2BN to the French economy, 10.1% above 2019 levels and equivalent to 9.1% of the national GDP. Travel & Tourism also supported three million jobs, employing 300,000 more people than in 2019.

International visitor spending reached €72.5BN, while domestic visitor spending climbed to €142.1BN, reflecting strong and balanced demand, seeing a hike of 7.1% and 5.7% on peak levels, respectively.

2025: Sustaining Record Momentum

According to WTTC projections, 2025 is expected to continue this upward trajectory and improve on the previous year’s historic peak across all analysed metrics.

The sector is forecast to contribute €274.2BN to the GDP, increasing to 9.3% share of the economy, while employment is expected to reach 3.1 million jobs – nearly 1 in 10 people employed by Travel & Tourism in France.

International visitor spending is projected to rise to €75.1BN, with domestic spend reaching €144.2BN.

This enduring performance highlights France’s strong tourism fundamentals, from world-class cultural and leisure assets to robust transport infrastructure and sustained government support.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “France continues to set the pace for Travel & Tourism worldwide. After a historic 2024, the sector is expected to maintain its growth into 2025 and beyond.

“The successful hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games showcased France on the global stage, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination with the capacity to deliver exceptional experiences at scale. France remains a beacon for travellers globally.”

Looking Ahead to 2035: A Decade of Opportunity

WTTC forecasts that by 2035, Travel & Tourism in France could contribute €308.4BN to the national economy, equivalent to 9.4% of GDP, and support 3.5 million jobs — representing 11.2% of total employment.

The sector is expected to remain a pillar of growth and opportunity, driven by evolving consumer trends, growing global demand, and investments in innovation and sustainability.

A Glimpse into the European Union

In 2024, the EU Travel & Tourism sector contributed almost €1.8TN to the region’s GDP, representing more than 10% of the Bloc’s economy, and above 2019 levels by almost 6%. The sector’s employment grew by 4.7%, year-on-year, to 24.6 million jobs, accounting for one in nine jobs across the region.

By 2025, WTTC forecasts that the EU Travel & Tourism sector will reach almost €1.9TN, representing 10.5% of the EU economy. Employment linked to the sector is estimated to total 25.7 million people, or 12% of the regional total.