Exceeding its previous peak, growing 4.3 pc to account for 8.8 pc of the national GDP, France has recorded a significant growth in tourism sector last year valued at EUR 246 billion.

France is reported to have seen a ‘remarkable growth’ in travel and tourism last year, with the sector’s GDP contribution surging by nearly 6 pc year-on-year to a record-breaking EUR 246 billion.

According to the global tourism body, World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), travel and tourism soared 4.3 pc above the previous peak.

It represented 8.8 pc of France’s total economic output, signalling a year of significant growth for the sector.

Latest research by WTTC and Oxford Economics highlights a sector abundant with opportunities, creating more than 172,000 new jobs, elevating the total to nearly 2.9 million nationwide, 4.7 pc above 2019 levels.

The continued growth solidifies travel and tourism’s position as a major employment driver, representing one in every 11 jobs across the country, the statement adds.

WTTC says that international visitors injected EUR 66.7 billion into the economy last year, while spending by domestic travellers rebounded to EUR 135 billion, surpassing previous 2019 heights by 1 pc and 3 pc, respectively.

WTTC says France’s tourism sector remains a cornerstone of economic growth and employment creation, with Paris standing out as the first choice for international visitors.

WTTC predicts that French tourism sector is poised for an all-time high economic contribution of EUR 254.7 billion.

Representing an increase of nearly 8 pc from 2019 levels, this affirms the sector’s significant role as an economic force, accounting for 9 pc of the national economy, says WTTC

The sector is set to support 2.93 million jobs in France, representing an increase of more than 76,000 jobs compared to its previous highest point.

WTTC predicts that spending by both international and domestic tourists is expected to reach unprecedented levels, with forecasts indicating a total expenditure of EUR 70.3 billion and EUR 138.8 billion respectively.

This adds on to the expected success in visitors ahead of the Olympics and Paralympics Games taking place in France later this year.

“France is setting unprecedented records in travel and tourism, solidifying its status as the globe’s premier destination, ensuring its position on the world stage,” says Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO.

“This success is not only reflected in the data. President Macron’s steadfast efforts to highlight tourism’s economic significance, its role in job creation, and its impact on the countries global stature have been instrumental to maintain France as a pole destination,” she says.

According to WTTC forecasts, the outlook for the next decade is ‘exceptionally bright.’ By 2034, the sector is expected to contribute an estimated EUR 310.5 billion, about 9.6 pc of the total economic landscape.

It adds that this burgeoning sector is also projected to be a major source of job creation, expected to provide employment for 3.4 million people nationwide, 11 pc of the workforce, representing one in every 10 workers.

“Building on the momentum from the triumphant Rugby World Cup, France remains adept at captivating visitors’ interest as it gears up for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympics Games later this year,” Simpson adds.