According to a recent update, by 2025 France is expected to be the world’s most visited nation. GlobalData predicts that the nation, which is home to the most well-known and popular tourist destination in the world, the Eiffel Tower, will overtake all other countries in terms of foreign visitors. By then, France should have surpassed Spain, which surpassed it in 2021, with 93.7 million foreign tourists, according to the data and analytics business.
France to Become World’s Top Tourist Destination: 10 Key Points To Know
- France Expected to be Top Tourist Destination: By 2025, France is predicted to become the most visited country in the world, surpassing other nations in foreign visitors.
- Eiffel Tower’s Global Appeal: France, home to the Eiffel Tower, the world’s most famous tourist attraction, is set to overtake Spain in terms of tourist numbers.
- Pre-Pandemic Popularity: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, France was the most popular tourist destination globally, with 88.1 million visitors in 2019.
- Post-Pandemic Recovery: Despite Spain surpassing France in 2021, France is expected to reclaim the top spot in 2022 with 66.6 million foreign tourists.
- Strong Growth Forecast: From 2022 to 2025, tourist visits to France are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1%.
- Key Markets: France attracts tourists from all over Europe, especially from the UK, Germany, and Belgium, as well as from China and the United States.
- Spain’s Current Position: In 2021, Spain overtook France as the top destination in Western Europe, attracting 26.3 million tourists.
- Continued Growth in Spain: Spain is also expected to see strong growth, with 89.5 million visitors projected by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 12.2%.
- Cultural and Culinary Appeal: Both France and Spain are expected to continue attracting tourists due to their diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and culinary experiences.
- Efficient Transportation: France’s excellent transportation system, including high-speed rail connections between major cities, enhances its appeal as a top tourist destination.
Western Europe (2022), a new analysis from GlobalData, shows that, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, France was the most popular tourism destination in the globe, with 88.1 million tourists visiting in 2019. Despite Spain’s 2021 victory, France is expected to reclaim the top rank in 2022 after receiving 66.6 million foreign tourists. From 2022 to 2025, tourists visiting France are predicted to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1%.
According to Hannah Free, Travel & Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, France is a key contributor to the expansion of tourism in Western Europe, along with Italy and Spain. The nation draws tourists from China and the United States in addition to travelers from all around Europe, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium. Actually, among American travelers’ favorite locations in Western Europe is France.
With 26.3 million tourists in 2021, Spain surpassed France to take the top spot in Western Europe. It is anticipated that 89.5 million foreign visitors will visit Spain by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 12.2% from 2022 to 2025.
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It is anticipated that travel to France and Spain will continue to be strong due to the countries’ many festivals, cultures, and culinary offers. Every nation has distinct landscapes, customs, and cuisines, and its varied topography and coasts only serve to enhance their allure. Due to their comparable size, both countries provide a variety of experiences to tourists.
France has a lot going for it, including an excellent transportation system that makes getting between big cities simple. Many of France’s major locations are connected by high-speed rail, making it easy for tourists to travel across the nation.
About Travelling to France
France is still a top tourist destination because of its wide range of attractions and rich cultural history. Famous sites like the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower draw tourists to Paris, while the gorgeous countryside is home to sleepy villages, vineyards, and lavender fields.
With its gorgeous beaches and the appeal of the Mediterranean, the French Riviera entices visitors, while the Alps provide breathtaking scenery and chances for skiing. The gastronomic pleasures of France, such as its handcrafted pastries and gourmet dining, add to its allure. Explore ancient monuments, take in world-class art, or savor regional cuisine—France never fails to wow visitors with its elegance and diversity.