France Narrows Lead Over Spain, Still Dominates as the Top Tourist Destination of 2025

France continues to be the world’s top tourist destination, welcoming a record 102 million international visitors in 2025. This marks a 3% growth from 2024 and a 13% rise compared to 2019 levels, reaffirming the country’s enduring appeal to global travelers. The Tourism Minister Serge Papin presented the figures in the 2025 annual report, celebrating the sector’s remarkable recovery post-pandemic and highlighting France’s significant position in the global tourism market.

France’s tourist numbers are expected to keep rising as the country remains the go-to destination for travelers seeking rich culture, history, and unparalleled attractions. With a 2 million increase in visitors from 2024 to 2025, it’s clear that France continues to draw more international tourists, maintaining its spot as the most visited country globally.

A Narrow But Steady Lead Over Spain

While France retains its lead over Spain, the gap between the two countries has narrowed in recent years. Spain recorded around 97 million visitors in 2025, which puts the difference at around 5 million tourists, or roughly 5%. This marks a narrowing of the gap from previous years, where France held a much larger margin. For example, in 2022, France saw 77 million visitors, compared to 52 million for Spain.

Despite this closeness in tourist arrivals, France still leads in tourism revenues. France’s tourism revenues in 2025 reached a record €77.5 billion, which represents a 9% increase from 2024. This significant revenue growth further solidifies France’s position as the leader in international tourism. Spain, while close behind in visitor numbers, continues to have a smaller share of the overall tourism revenue, with the gap stabilizing at around 36% in 2025 compared to 38% in 2024.

Strong Growth from Key Markets

European visitors led the growth in 2025, with overnight stays increasing by 5% compared to the previous year. North American tourists showed particularly strong growth, with a 17% increase in hotel sector bookings. Over 5 million Americans visited France in 2025, even despite some economic and diplomatic challenges. This surge in visitors from the United States demonstrates France’s magnetic appeal to North American travelers, who continue to flock to the country for its cultural, historical, and culinary experiences.

Alongside the growth in visitors, the spending by international tourists also increased. The average expenditure per international tourist rose by 7%, reaching €760 per stay. This boost in spending has been a key factor in the rise in tourism revenue, as total international tourism revenues climbed to €77.5 billion in 2025. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance reported a positive tourism balance of €20.1 billion in the balance of payments, reflecting the importance of the tourism sector to the French economy.

France’s Long-Term Goals and Accessibility Focus

Looking forward, France has set ambitious goals for the coming years. Former Prime Minister François Bayrou initially set a target for €100 billion in tourism revenues by 2030, and Minister Papin reaffirmed this goal during the report. The government is focusing on expanding sustainable tourism, promoting “tourism for all”, and improving accessibility for both international and domestic tourists.

Minister Papin also highlighted an important domestic challenge: four out of ten French citizens do not take holidays. In response, the government launched a new holiday assistance portal in partnership with the National Agency for Holiday Vouchers (ANCV) to support French families in accessing affordable vacations. However, despite this initiative, some challenges persist in making accommodations more affordable for everyone. Between 2019 and 2025, the share of 4- and 5-star hotels increased by 22%, and the number of 5-star pitches in campsites grew by 30%, reflecting the demand for premium accommodations in the market.

Impact of France’s Tourism on Local Businesses

The rise in international tourism has a profound impact on local businesses across France, particularly in major cities like Paris, Nice, and Lyon. Tourism-related industries such as restaurants, hotels, and transportation have seen a boost from increased tourist numbers. France’s long-standing reputation for luxury, fine dining, and world-class museums has helped maintain its status as the most popular destination for international travelers.

The French government’s push for sustainable tourism aims to ensure that the benefits of this growth are distributed fairly across the country, including smaller towns and rural areas. As tourism continues to expand, local economies will benefit from increased demand for cultural tours, art exhibitions, and other authentic experiences that highlight the country’s diverse regions.

Future Growth for France’s Tourism Sector

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, France is positioning itself for further growth in tourism. Major events, like France’s National Tourist Office initiatives and the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, will attract large numbers of visitors. These events, alongside France’s ongoing appeal as a luxury and cultural destination, will continue to drive international interest.

Additionally, France’s rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks, such as Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles, and Mont Saint-Michel, will remain central attractions for tourists. The rise of digital and sustainable tourism initiatives further enhances accessibility and convenience for travelers, providing innovative ways to explore the country.

Conclusion: France’s Continued Dominance in Global Tourism

Despite a slight dip in visitor numbers relative to its record-breaking year of 2019, France continues to be the world’s leading tourist destination. With 102 million visitors in 2025, the country maintains a 3% growth year-over-year and continues to set the standard for international tourism. France’s combination of iconic landmarks, strong tourism revenues, and a focus on sustainable growth positions it for continued success in the coming years.

As global tourism evolves, France remains at the forefront, offering travelers a diverse range of experiences that span from luxury getaways to cultural immersions. With the continued support of its tourism infrastructure and ongoing efforts to expand accessibility, France will remain a top destination for travelers from around the world.

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