France welcomed 100 million visitors in 2024, holding its position as the world’s top tourist destination despite competition from Spain

France has retained its position as the world’s most popular tourist destination in 2024, welcoming a record-breaking 100 million visitors.

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This milestone, announced by the French Tourism Ministry on Tuesday, highlights the nation’s enduring appeal despite fierce competition from other leading destinations, including Spain.

A Record-Breaking Year for Global Travel

Global tourism rebounded strongly in 2024, reaching pre-pandemic levels with 1.4 billion international trips, according to the UN. Both France and Spain reported record visitor numbers, underscoring the resurgence of global travel.

France, buoyed by hosting the Olympic Games from July to September, saw a 2% increase in arrivals compared to 2023.

Spanish tourism, however, also flourished, with the Iberian nation drawing 94 million visitors, a 10% year-on-year rise.

“While France remains the world leader in tourism, competition, particularly from Spain, is fierce,” French Tourism Minister Nathalie Delattre told *Le Figaro*.

Visitor Spending: A Key Challenge

Despite attracting more visitors, France lags behind Spain in tourist spending. International visitors spent €71 billion (£61 billion) in France, compared to Spain’s €126 billion (£109 billion).

Minister Delattre acknowledged the disparity, stating, “We need to increase the average spend per visitor and encourage longer stays.”

The United States, Belgium, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland contributed significantly to France’s tourism revenue, with US overnight stays increasing by 5%.

However, Asian tourism remains subdued, with Chinese visitor numbers 60% below pre-pandemic levels and Japanese visitors down 30% compared to 2019.

Winter Tourism and Optimistic Outlook

A strong snowfall in late 2024 boosted end-of-year tourism, drawing winter sports enthusiasts to French ski resorts. The ministry projects continued growth in early 2025, citing an optimistic outlook for visitor numbers in the first quarter.

As France continues to capitalise on its global appeal, its 2024 achievements reaffirm its status as a premier travel destination.