France's Travel & Tourism Sector Achieves Historic Growth in 2024

France's Travel & Tourism sector is projected to reach a remarkable contribution of €266.2 billion to the economy in 2024, marking a significant recovery following the impacts of the pandemic. This figure represents a 10.1% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, positioning the sector to account for 9.1% of the national GDP. Moreover, the sector supports 3 million jobs, an increase of 300,000 jobs since 2019, reflecting a robust resurgence in employment.

Notably, international visitors are expected to spend €72.5 billion, while domestic tourists will contribute approximately €142.1 billion to the economy. This positive trend underscores a strong demand for both international and local tourism, supported by France's wealth of cultural attractions and strong infrastructure.

Looking ahead to 2025, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts further growth, anticipating that the sector will contribute €274.2 billion to the GDP and support 3.1 million jobs. Projections highlight a rise in international visitor spending to €75.1 billion, with domestic spending also projected to increase slightly.

By 2035, the travel and tourism sector's contribution could expand to €308.4 billion, potentially supporting 3.5 million jobs, or 11.2% of total employment in France. This continued growth is expected to be driven by evolving global travel trends and sustained consumer interest in French tourism.

The broader context reveals that the EU Travel & Tourism sector similarly thrived in 2024, contributing nearly €1.8 trillion to the region's GDP and employing 24.6 million people. Predictions for 2025 suggest an increase to nearly €1.9 trillion in contributions and approximately 25.7 million jobs across the EU.

This remarkable growth trajectory emphasizes the Travel & Tourism sector's essential role in the economic landscape of both France and Europe as a whole, highlighting not only recovery but a sustainable path toward future expansion.