France welcomes 102 million international visitors in 2025, government says

Thursday 19 February 2026 - 12:00

By: Sahili Aya

France welcomes 102 million international visitors in 2025, government says

France confirmed its position as the world’s most visited country in 2025, welcoming 102 million international visitors, according to figures released by the French Ministry of Tourism.

The total marks an increase from 100 million foreign arrivals in 2024 and generated a record €77.5 billion in international tourism revenue, up 9% year on year. Officials described the performance as a historic milestone for the sector, which remains a key pillar of the French economy.

Competition with Spain

Despite retaining the top spot globally, France faces growing competition from Spain, which reported 97 million foreign visitors in 2025 and significantly higher declared tourism revenues. However, Atout France, the national agency responsible for promoting France abroad, has questioned the methodology used to calculate Spain’s international tourism income, arguing that comparable figures would narrow the gap.

French authorities highlighted that total domestic tourism consumption, including both international and French travelers, reached €222 billion last year.

European and transatlantic visitors drive growth

European visitors continued to form the backbone of inbound tourism. German travelers recorded a 9% increase in overnight stays, followed by strong numbers from Italy, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Beyond Europe, American tourists significantly boosted hotel occupancy rates, with a 17% rise compared with the previous year. Asian markets showed gradual recovery, although visitor numbers from China remain below pre-pandemic levels.

France also remains the preferred destination for its own citizens, though overnight stays by French residents declined slightly as outbound travel increased, particularly to Mediterranean destinations.

Encouraging outlook for 2026

Early indicators for 2026 point to continued momentum. Air bookings for the first quarter are reported to be sharply higher than during the same period in 2025. Notable growth is coming from Mexico, China and Canada. Within Europe, Spanish travelers are increasingly choosing France at the start of the year.

Winter sports resorts are also expecting solid results for the 2025–2026 season, with booking trends suggesting a modest rise in occupancy rates.

Landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower continue to symbolize France’s global appeal, as the country consolidates its leadership in international tourism while adapting to intensifying competition.