According to a recent update, France is set to become the most visited country in the world by 2025. The country, home to the world’s most famous and most visited attraction, the Eiffel Tower, will become the most visited nation according to projections by GlobalData. The data and analytics company predicts that France will attract 93.7 million international visitors by then, surpassing Spain, which overtook France in 2021.
According to GlobalData’s recent Western Europe (2022) report, France was the world’s top travel destination before the COVID-19 pandemic, attracting 88.1 million visitors in 2019. Although Spain took the top spot in 2021, France is on track to reclaim the lead, welcoming 66.6 million international visitors in 2022. Visitor numbers to France are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1% from 2022 to 2025.
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Hannah Free, Travel and Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, notes that France, alongside Italy and Spain, is playing a major role in the growth of tourism in Western Europe. The country attracts visitors from across Europe, including the UK, Germany and Belgium, as well as from further afield, such as China and the US. In fact, France is one of the most popular Western European destinations for US travelers.
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In 2021, Spain attracted 26.3 million visitors, overtaking France to become the top destination in Western Europe. By 2025, Spain is expected to welcome 89.5 million international tourists, with a CAGR of 12.2% between 2022 and 2025.
Tourism in France and Spain is expected to remain vibrant, thanks to their rich offerings in festivals, culture and gastronomy. Each country has unique cultures, cuisines and landscapes, with varied coastlines and terrains adding to their appeal. Both nations are relatively large, offering a range of experiences to travellers.
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One of France's major assets is its transportation network, which makes it easy to travel between major cities. High-speed trains connect many of the country's key destinations, making it easy for visitors to explore the country.
About tourism in France
France remains a top tourist destination, renowned for its diverse attractions and rich cultural heritage. Visitors flock to Paris for its iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, while the picturesque countryside offers charming towns, vineyards and lavender fields.
The French Riviera beckons with glamorous beaches and Mediterranean charm, while the Alps offer stunning scenery and skiing opportunities. France’s culinary delights, from gourmet cuisine to artisanal pastries, further enhance its appeal. Whether exploring historic sites, admiring world-renowned art or indulging in local cuisine, France never ceases to captivate travelers with its elegance and diversity.
