France Welcomes 100 Million International Visitors in 2024, Boosted by Paris Olympics
The French tourism sector saw record numbers, generating €71 billion in revenue, according to government announcements.
In 2024, France welcomed 100 million international visitors, making a significant contribution to the national economy with €71 billion in tourism revenue, the French Ministry of Tourism announced.
The year was marked by the Paris Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, which provided a substantial boost to visitor numbers and spending.
Additionally, the country saw a growth of 2 million visitors compared to 2023.
The increase in tourism was accompanied by a rise in international air arrivals by 10% in the last quarter of 2024. Visitor numbers from the United States increased by 15%, with Brazilian, Indian, and Chinese tourists also contributing to the growth with respective increases of 7% and 16%.
The Ministry noted an increase in hotel occupancy rates in Paris, rising by 7 percentage points in January 2025 and 4 points in February.
Revenue from international tourists rose by 12% year-on-year, driven by visitors from Belgium, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and the US. However, Asian tourist numbers are still catching up, with Chinese visitor numbers 60% below pre-pandemic levels and Japanese visitors 30% below 2019 figures.
Ski resorts benefited from a strong winter season, with an 85% accommodation occupancy rate, an increase of 3 percentage points from the previous year.
Overall international tourist numbers rose by 10% compared to the previous year, while domestic tourism experienced a 2% rise.
In retail developments, the Galeries Lafayette group announced the closure of its two stores in Marseille by the end of 2025, citing financial losses despite significant investments.
The decision affects 145 employees, whom the company has pledged to support in finding alternative employment.
The move is part of a broader strategic focus on strengthening profitability across its network of stores in France.
Despite the closures, the company is optimistic about the performance of its other stores, which saw a 4% increase in revenue for two consecutive years.
Globally, the United Nations World Tourism Organization reported that the number of tourists worldwide reached 1.4 billion in 2024, marking a recovery to pre-pandemic levels.
The sector's revenue increased to $1.6 trillion, surpassing 2019 levels when adjusted for inflation.
Key growth areas included Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.
The increase in tourism has led to congestion issues in several major destinations, prompting some cities to implement measures to manage visitor flow.
The year was marked by the Paris Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, which provided a substantial boost to visitor numbers and spending.
Additionally, the country saw a growth of 2 million visitors compared to 2023.
The increase in tourism was accompanied by a rise in international air arrivals by 10% in the last quarter of 2024. Visitor numbers from the United States increased by 15%, with Brazilian, Indian, and Chinese tourists also contributing to the growth with respective increases of 7% and 16%.
The Ministry noted an increase in hotel occupancy rates in Paris, rising by 7 percentage points in January 2025 and 4 points in February.
Revenue from international tourists rose by 12% year-on-year, driven by visitors from Belgium, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and the US. However, Asian tourist numbers are still catching up, with Chinese visitor numbers 60% below pre-pandemic levels and Japanese visitors 30% below 2019 figures.
Ski resorts benefited from a strong winter season, with an 85% accommodation occupancy rate, an increase of 3 percentage points from the previous year.
Overall international tourist numbers rose by 10% compared to the previous year, while domestic tourism experienced a 2% rise.
In retail developments, the Galeries Lafayette group announced the closure of its two stores in Marseille by the end of 2025, citing financial losses despite significant investments.
The decision affects 145 employees, whom the company has pledged to support in finding alternative employment.
The move is part of a broader strategic focus on strengthening profitability across its network of stores in France.
Despite the closures, the company is optimistic about the performance of its other stores, which saw a 4% increase in revenue for two consecutive years.
Globally, the United Nations World Tourism Organization reported that the number of tourists worldwide reached 1.4 billion in 2024, marking a recovery to pre-pandemic levels.
The sector's revenue increased to $1.6 trillion, surpassing 2019 levels when adjusted for inflation.
Key growth areas included Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.
The increase in tourism has led to congestion issues in several major destinations, prompting some cities to implement measures to manage visitor flow.
