Exploring France: American Tourist Visits Annually

France is the most visited country in the world, with around 90 to 100 million people travelling there each year. In 2019, the country welcomed 90.9 million international visitors, though this number fell to 41.68 million in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. France has been the most visited country in the world for 30 years, with its romantic cities, iconic landmarks, world-renowned cuisine, art, culture and fashion capturing the imaginations of travellers from across the globe.

France is the most visited country in the world

France has held the title of the world's most visited country for over 30 years. In 2018, it saw 89.4 million international tourists, surpassing Spain (81.8 million), the US (76.9 million), and China (60.7 million). France's popularity is due to its romantic cities, iconic landmarks, world-renowned cuisine, art, culture, and fashion. The most popular destination type for visitors to France is a city, with 29.3% of tourists choosing a city location for their trip.

France's tourism industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy, accounting for 8% of its total GDP. Hotels make up the largest proportion of France's travel and tourism market, with a projected market volume of $10.69 billion in 2024. In 2020, there were more than 17,000 hotel establishments in the country. France also welcomes approximately 11 million international business tourist arrivals every year.

While France is the most visited country in the world, it's important to note that the number of visitors can fluctuate. For example, in 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, visitor numbers declined to 41.68 million. However, France's tourism industry showed resilience, and by 2022, the country saw a recovery with 93.2 million international visitors, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

France received 77.8 million international visitors in 2022

France is the most visited country in the world, according to the U.N. Between 2010 and 2022, France received an average of 77.8 million international overnight tourists per year, with 79.4 million in 2022. The country has held the title of the world's most visited destination for over 30 years, known for its romantic cities, iconic landmarks, world-renowned cuisine, art, culture and fashion.

In 2019, France welcomed 90.91 million international visitors, the highest number of international tourists in the country. However, visitor numbers declined to 41.68 million in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. France saw a slight recovery in 2021 with 48.4 million international visitors, and this trend continued to rise in 2022, resulting in 93.2 million international visitors. This was a 124% increase compared to 2020 and 3% higher than 2019 (pre-pandemic).

The most popular destination type for visitors to France was a city, with 29.3% of tourists choosing a city location for their trip. Hotels are the most common type of vacation rental in France, with more than 17,000 establishments in 2022. In 2020, 134.6 million domestic tourists visited destinations in France, with 92.4% visiting for a leisure trip. Tourism accounts for 8% of France's total GDP.

29.3% of tourists to France visit a city

France is the most visited country in the world, with around 90 to 100 million people visiting each year. In 2022, the country received 93.2 million international visitors, a 124% increase compared to 2020 and 3% higher than 2019 (pre-pandemic). In 2019, France welcomed 90.91 million international visitors, with 2018 seeing 89.4 million international tourists. Between 2010 and 2022, France received an average of 77.8 million international overnight tourists per year, with 79.4 million in 2022.

The country's popularity is due to its romantic cities, iconic landmarks, world-renowned cuisine, art, culture, and fashion. 29.3% of tourists to France visit a city, with Paris being the most popular destination. France's capital city is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe. The city offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication, with vibrant neighbourhoods, elegant boutiques, and a thriving culinary scene.

In addition to Paris, other French cities that attract tourists include Lyon, known for its gastronomic delights and historic sites; Marseille, a vibrant Mediterranean port city; and Strasbourg, famous for its charming half-timbered houses and picturesque canals. These cities offer a wealth of cultural and historical experiences, as well as a glimpse into the diverse regional identities that make up modern France.

The appeal of French cities lies not only in their aesthetic beauty and cultural offerings but also in their accessibility. France has an efficient transportation system, making it easy for visitors to navigate and explore multiple destinations during their stay. The country's extensive rail network, including high-speed trains, connects major cities and facilitates seamless travel between urban centres. This enables tourists to easily plan day trips or multi-city itineraries, enhancing their overall travel experience.

Hotels are the most common type of vacation rental in France

France is the most visited country in the world, with around 90 to 100 million people visiting each year. In 2019, France welcomed 90.91 million international visitors, including approximately 11 million international business tourists.

France offers a wide range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels in Paris to vacation rentals such as houses or apartments. Vacation home rentals in France often include amenities such as internet, pools, and kitchens, and 30% are pet-friendly. However, hotels remain the most popular choice for travellers, providing a convenient and familiar option with a guaranteed level of service.

While renting a house or apartment in France can be a cheaper option, it may come with unexpected surprises and stresses. Vacation rentals in France can vary depending on whether travellers book through a full-service agency or directly with the owner, resulting in different types of rentals at various price points across the country.

France welcomed 90.9 million international visitors in 2019

France has long been a popular tourist destination, particularly for European travellers. Its romantic cities, iconic landmarks, world-renowned cuisine, art, culture and fashion have captured the imaginations of travellers from across the globe. In 2018, France's 89.4 million international tourists surpassed Spain (81.8 million), the US (76.9 million), and China (60.7 million).

The country's tourism industry is a major contributor to the economy, accounting for 8% of France's total GDP and 2.69 million jobs in 2019. Hotels make up the largest proportion of the travel and tourism market, with more than 17,000 establishments in 2022 and a projected market volume of $10.69 billion in 2024.

While France is a popular destination for international travellers, it is also a favourite among domestic tourists. In 2020, 134.6 million domestic tourists visited destinations within France, with 92.4% travelling for leisure.

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