World Travel & Tourism Council Highlights France’s Travel & Tourism Growth: 6% Increase Pushes GDP Contribution To €246 Billion

Friday, June 21, 2024

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced today that France’s Travel & Tourism sector experienced a robust 6% year-on-year increase in GDP contribution last year, reaching a new high of €246 billion.

The sector exceeded its previous peak in 2023, growing 4.3% to account for 8.8% of the national GDP, marking a significant year of expansion, according to the latest findings by the WTTC and Oxford Economics.

This research revealed that the industry generated over 172,000 new jobs, boosting the total employment in the sector to nearly 2.9 million, which is 4.7% higher than in 2019. Travel & Tourism now represents one in every 11 jobs in France, underscoring its vital role in the employment landscape.

In 2023, France welcomed a significant influx of international tourists who spent €66.7 billion, while domestic travel expenditures rose to €135 billion, surpassing 2019 levels by 1% and 3%, respectively.

Paris continues to be the top destination for global visitors, reinforcing Travel & Tourism as a pivotal element of France’s economic and employment growth.

Looking ahead to 2024

The sector is on track to contribute an unprecedented €254.7 billion to the economy this year, representing an 8% increase from 2019 and accounting for 9% of France’s GDP.

With the sector expected to support nearly 2.93 million jobs, reflecting an increase of over 76,000 jobs from its previous high, France maintains its status as the world’s leading tourist destination.

Anticipated spending by both international and domestic tourists is set to reach new heights, with projections of €70.3 billion and €138.8 billion, respectively. This surge in tourism is timely, coinciding with the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics Games in France.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “France is setting unprecedented records in Travel & Tourism, solidifying its status as the globe’s premier destination, ensuring its position on the world stage.

“This success is not only reflected in the data. President Macron’s steadfast efforts to highlight Travel & Tourism’s economic significance, its role in job creation, and its impact on the countries global stature have been instrumental to maintain France as a pole destination.

“Building on the momentum from the triumphant Rugby World Cup, France remains adept at captivating visitors’ interest as it gears up for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympics Games later this year.”

What does the future hold for the next ten years?

According to predictions from the WTTC, the next decade is set to be remarkably prosperous. By 2034, the travel and tourism sector is anticipated to significantly boost France’s economy, contributing around €310.5 billion, which equates to 9.6% of the total economic output.

This thriving sector is also expected to be a key driver of job creation, providing employment for approximately 3.4 million people across the country—11% of the total workforce, or one in every ten workers.

The next ten years are not just about growth, but about a transformative era for travel and tourism. France stands at the dawn of a period marked by wealth, innovation, and widespread connectivity, heralding a golden age for the industry that is eagerly awaited by consumers and businesses alike.

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