Paris Tourism Slows in Fall, But New Year’s Eve Bookings Soar

Published on November 30, 2025

As per the most recent reports from the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, there has been a year-on-year decrease in the global pandemic and travel crisis 2025 fall tourism in Paris in comparison with the 2024 record tourism boom. Nonetheless, the 2025 fall tourism outlook based on the housing demand from non-residents is very positive as the holiday travel week approaches. Paris hotel and restaurant owners, and other members of the local tourism business, anticipate a successful 2025 fall tourism season, and in particular, a strong year-end based on upcoming holiday trade fairs, conferences, and other activities.

A Noticeable Slowdown in October 2025

October 2025 saw a noticeable dip in visitor numbers, with a decline of 3.3% in domestic visitors compared to 2024. Despite this, domestic arrivals were still 2.9% higher than in 2023. International tourists also decreased by 4.6% compared to the same month in 2024, and by 1.1% from 2023, marking a slight slowdown in global travel to Paris.

One of the key factors contributing to this drop was a reduction in air traffic, with flights into Paris declining by approximately 10.9%. This drop was particularly evident from European markets like the UK, Italy, and Germany, as well as from the United States. However, there was a silver lining in long-haul travel, as the number of tourists from countries like China, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia saw significant increases, signaling a rebound in international arrivals from these regions.

The Impact of All Saints’ Day Holidays on Tourism

The Toussaint (All Saints’ Day) school holidays also saw a decrease in attendance, with a decline of 8.4% compared to the previous year. International visitors were particularly sparse during this period, with the main culprit being the calendar’s timing—November 1st fell on a Saturday in 2025, eliminating the traditional “bridge” weekend that encourages extended travel. Despite this, the overall tourist numbers during this period were still 5.9% higher than in 2023, indicating that the slowdown was more of a temporary setback than a long-term trend.

Optimistic Outlook for the End of 2025

Despite the quieter autumn months, the forecast for the remainder of 2025 and into early 2026 is much more positive. From December through February, air arrivals are expected to increase by 0.2% overall. However, some regions will see differing trends: while South Korea, Portugal, and the US are reporting decreases in travel to Paris (down 16.6%, 21.1%, and 1.9%, respectively), there is strong growth from China (up 27%), along with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, which are seeing increases ranging from 13% to 25%.

These strong figures suggest that Paris is still a major destination for travelers from Asia and the Middle East, signaling that long-haul tourism is recovering well after the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Hotel Occupancy and Festive Bookings

Hotel occupancy trends indicate a positive shift as well. Late November and early December have seen a 6.2% increase in bookings compared to 2024. The first few days of December are especially busy, with a 13.7% year-on-year increase, largely driven by the influx of attendees for major trade shows and conferences in the city.

However, while Christmas week bookings are currently trailing by about 4.6%, New Year’s Eve is already looking like a standout performer, with occupancy already reaching 64.6%, a 5.2% increase over last year. Interestingly, the areas surrounding central Paris are experiencing greater growth than the city center itself. For example, the Seine-Saint-Denis region has seen a 5.1% increase in bookings, and Val de Marne is up 4%. Central Paris, on the other hand, has seen a slight dip of 2.6% during the same period.

The Resilient Appeal of Paris: A City That’s Adjusting, Not Diminishing

This mild slowdown is not necessarily indicative of a longer-term trend but rather a recalibration after the extraordinary tourism figures seen in 2024 due to events like the Paris Olympics. As Jeremy Tarr, a tourism official, pointed out, 2024 was an exceptional year, and Paris in 2025 is simply returning to a “new normal” that remains far above pre-pandemic levels. “The Olympics provided a huge boost, but now we’re seeing Paris settle into its usual rhythm, and that’s still very much a win for the tourism sector,” said Tarr.

Paris remains one of the most sought-after cities in the world, and its appeal continues to attract millions of tourists annually, even as global travel patterns shift. The city’s long-term tourism strategy continues to focus on attracting business travelers, conference attendees, and leisure tourists alike, ensuring that the City of Light remains a central hub for culture, commerce, and luxury tourism.

Long-Term Trends and New Tourism Initiatives

Looking beyond the 2025 slowdown, Paris is working to reinforce its position as a world-leading tourism destination. The city’s tourism officials are focusing on offering year-round attractions and experiences that appeal to diverse traveler segments. Major projects and collaborations are planned for the coming years, aimed at diversifying the city’s tourism offerings and keeping visitors coming back for new experiences.

Additionally, with the rise in popularity of experiential and sustainable travel, Paris is positioning itself as a destination for eco-conscious tourists. The city is introducing new initiatives that highlight its commitment to sustainability, from eco-friendly hotels to green tours that allow visitors to enjoy Paris while reducing their carbon footprint.

Paris Remains a Top Global Destination

Despite the reported decrease in tourists visiting Paris in 2025, the expectation for the year’s end remains optimistic, for there is a potential increase in numbers during the holiday and tourism season. The adaptability and responsiveness to changes in travel behavior, as well as the city’s well-developed tourism infrastructure and multitude of attractions, leave Paris in a position to remain a favorite city in the world for many years to come. Travelers to Paris should encounter a warm and hospitable city full of culture and history, and even of business meetings and holiday celebrations.