France is anticipated to uphold its status as the world's top destination for international visitors in the first half of 2024, as per a joint study by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and ForwardKeys. Paris remains the most influential city destination globally, with other French cities like Nice also standing out as top performers in Europe.

France is set to maintain its position as the world's most popular destination for international arrivals this year, as indicated by the latest data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and travel data analysis firm ForwardKeys.

According to a WTTC press release, the research reveals a positive outlook for inbound travel to France, with arrivals expected to almost reach pre-pandemic levels this year. International arrivals in France for the first half of 2024 are projected to be at 93% of the same period in 2019, solidifying its standing as the world's most popular destination.

During her participation in the Destination France event held in Chantilly and hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the WTTC, praised France for its steadfast focus on recognizing the economic and cultural value that travel and tourism bring to employment and GDP. This achievement is attributed to a robust private sector working effectively with the government and regions.

"France's commitment to travel and tourism is not just reflected in the impressive data but in the unwavering efforts of the government. President Macron recognizes the real value travel and tourism bring to France in terms of the economy, jobs, and its standing on the world stage. His support has ensured France remains the world’s most popular destination," stated Simpson.

The research also indicates that airlines are increasing their capacity to meet the growing global demand, with the number of seats expected to surpass 2019 levels this year.

"With flight bookings on the rise and air carriers set to introduce a record number of seats, France enters 2024 in a strong position. Capitalizing on the successful hosting of the Rugby World Cup 2023 and on the growing exposure provided by the upcoming Olympic Games, the country is set to be one of the most sought-after destinations this year for both regional and long-haul markets," noted Olivier Ponti, Vice President Insights at ForwardKeys.

The press release adds that this increase in passenger capacity is led by Orly Airport, with a 28% increase, reaching nearly eight million. Charles de Gaulle remains the busiest airport in France, reaching 18.5 million in the first six months of 2024, just 3% below 2019 levels.

Paris retains its status as the world's most powerful city destination. However, in 2024, other French cities are also expected to be popular attractions for foreign visitors. Nice is among the top-performing European cities, with international arrivals expected to reach 94% of pre-pandemic levels.

WTTC data indicates that France as a destination is becoming increasingly popular among Spanish and Canadian travelers, with international arrivals exceeding 2019 levels by more than 64% and 54%, respectively. Irish and South Korean travelers are returning to France in large numbers, with visitor numbers up from 2019 levels by 19% and 16%, respectively.

Additionally, travelers to France are spending more money, with bookings of premium cabins witnessing a surge of 21% compared to pre-pandemic levels in the first half of the year, the statement adds.

Last year, WTTC's Economic Impact Research (EIR) revealed that the French tourism sector is expected to grow at an average of 3% annually over the next decade, twice the 1.5% annual growth rate of the country’s overall economy, to reach more than EUR 297 billion or 9.7% of the total economy. The forecast also revealed that the tourism sector in France is expected to create more than 555,000 jobs in the next 10 years, averaging nearly 56,000 new jobs every year, reaching nearly 3.3 million employed within the sector by 2033.