Now, France Tourism Revenue Surges, Fueled by Rising Visitor Numbers from Germany, US, and Japan

Published on September 9, 2025

France generated €37.3 billion in international tourism revenue during the first half of 2025, marking a 13.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the French Ministry of Tourism. The country recorded nearly 290 million overnight stays, with growth seen across various accommodation sectors, including hotels, tourist apartments, and rural stays. This boost in tourism revenue highlights France’s strong recovery and reinforces its ambition to reach a target of €100 billion in annual tourism revenue by 2030.

Key Drivers Behind Tourism Growth in France

The growth in tourism revenue was driven by a surge in visitor numbers from France’s key source markets, including Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, and Japan. Germany, the leading source market, saw a significant increase of 25.1% in visitor arrivals, while the Netherlands followed with a rise of 17.6%. Tourism from the United States also contributed notably, with a 12.5% increase, and Japan’s visitor numbers grew by 10.2%. These countries have emerged as strong contributors to the national tourism revenue, supporting France’s robust performance in the first half of 2025.

Additionally, France saw remarkable growth from countries outside Europe. Australia recorded an impressive 30% rise in visitor arrivals, Canada increased by 9.35%, and China saw a modest increase of 2.85%. These markets contributed significantly to the overall increase in international arrivals, helping France to solidify its position as a global tourism leader.

Accommodation Sectors Experience Significant Growth

Across the accommodation sector, hotel bookings saw a notable increase of 7% in the first half of 2025, reflecting rising demand for urban and leisure stays. Tourist apartments and rural accommodations also performed well, with stays up by 11%. This shift indicates a growing preference for alternative accommodations, such as vacation rentals and rural experiences, as travellers seek out unique and immersive stays in addition to traditional hotels.

The French Ministry of Tourism reported that nearly 290 million overnight stays were recorded in the first half of 2025, a key indicator of the country’s continued popularity as a travel destination. The growth in overnight stays is also a reflection of France’s expanded offerings in health and wellness tourism, which has become increasingly popular with both domestic and international visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Increased International Air Arrivals

International air arrivals to France also saw growth, with a 2.5% increase in the number of visitors arriving by air. This rise was fueled by the increased demand from key international markets, further solidifying France’s position as the world’s leading tourism destination. Sweden and Denmark recorded particularly sharp increases in air arrivals, with respective rises of 16.6% and 16.2%. This surge in air arrivals is a clear indication of the growing global interest in visiting France and its diverse attractions, from cultural landmarks to world-class gastronomy and scenic destinations.

France’s Tourism Targets for 2030

Looking ahead, France is targeting an ambitious €100 billion in annual tourism revenue by 2030. This goal reflects the government’s focus on continuing to grow the sector through strategic investments in infrastructure, sustainable tourism practices, and a diverse array of travel offerings that appeal to a wide range of international visitors. The French Ministry of Tourism is working closely with stakeholders across the tourism industry to ensure that France remains an attractive destination for travellers from around the world.

Tourism From Europe and Beyond

France’s strong performance in international tourism revenue is also attributed to the diverse geographical sources of its visitors. European countries have historically been significant contributors to France’s tourism economy, and in 2025, this trend continued. In addition to Germany and the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and other European nations saw a rise in visitor numbers, contributing to the overall increase in arrivals. France’s proximity to other European countries and its rich cultural and historical offerings make it a popular destination for short-haul travellers from across the continent.

Outside of Europe, the United States remains a major source of tourism revenue for France, with American visitors becoming the second-highest revenue source, after Belgium, and ahead of the UK and Germany. The United States has consistently been one of the largest international markets for French tourism, driven by a strong interest in French culture, history, fashion, and cuisine.

Sustainable Growth and Future Prospects

In line with its tourism goals for 2030, France is also focusing on sustainable tourism growth. The French government has implemented several initiatives to promote responsible travel, ensuring that tourism growth benefits both local communities and the environment. These efforts are expected to play a significant role in maintaining France’s attractiveness as a tourist destination while preserving its cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

In conclusion, the first half of 2025 has been a strong period for France’s tourism sector, with notable increases in revenue and visitor numbers from key source markets. As the country continues its path toward achieving its €100 billion tourism revenue target by 2030, the French Ministry of Tourism remains committed to expanding and diversifying the country’s tourism offerings, ensuring that it remains a top destination for travellers worldwide.