The French outbound travel market is projected to experience robust growth, with an estimated value of USD 72.9 billion in 2025, rising to USD 124 billion by 2035. This marks a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035. The key drivers of this growth include an increase in disposable incomes, the growing appeal of overseas leisure travel, and the continuing trend of long-term stays facilitated by remote work.
Market Overview
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated France Industry Size (2025E) | USD 72.9 billion |
| Projected France Value (2035F) | USD 124 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.4% |
The growing French interest in international destinations, combined with more affordable and frequent flights, is a significant factor in the increase in outbound travel. Customizable packages offered by local travel agencies also cater to various preferences, further driving demand for global travel experiences.
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The chart below compares the growth trends for the French outbound travel market between the base year of 2024 and 2025.
CAGR Values for France Outbound Travel Market (2024 to 2025)
In 2024, the French outbound travel market is expected to experience a 4.3% growth in the first half, increasing to 4.5% in the second half. This growth trend continues into 2025, with a slight increase to 5.1% in H1 2025, and further reaching 5.4% in H2 2025 as the appeal of overseas vacations continues to grow among French travelers.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Value | The French outbound travel industry is projected to reach USD 69.6 billion in 2024, representing 17% of the European outbound tourism market. |
| Domestic Market Share | French outbound tourism constitutes 75%, with destinations like Spain, Italy, and Morocco leading the charge. |
| International Market Share | International outbound tourism from France represents 25%, with popular long-haul destinations such as Southeast Asia and the US gaining traction. |
| Key Destinations | Popular destinations include Paris (France), Barcelona (Spain), New York (USA), and Tokyo (Japan). |
| Economic Impact | The outbound travel industry contributes billions annually to global economies, notably through tourist spending on accommodation, meals, shopping, and local experiences. |
| Key Trends | Increasing demand for cultural tourism, preference for sustainable travel options, growing interest in workcation packages, and wellness tourism are notable trends. |
| Top Travel Seasons | Summer months remain the peak time for outbound travel, particularly for European countries like Spain, Greece, and Italy. The holidays also see a rise in ski tourism in the Alps. |
French travelers' outbound tourism continues to dominate the European market. Factors such as an extensive and affordable flight network, coupled with favorable visa regulations within the Schengen Area, make it easy for French citizens to explore neighboring countries. Furthermore, growing partnerships between European Union countries and non-European nations ease the travel process, encouraging more frequent international trips. Popular destinations such as New York, Tokyo, and the Caribbean attract large numbers of French tourists each year. These factors support the ongoing expansion of the outbound travel market in France.
| Date | Development & Details |
|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Launch of "Work & Explore" Packages - Local travel agencies have introduced flexible packages for professionals looking to work remotely while traveling, including destinations such as Bali and Lisbon. |
| Dec 2024 | Cruise Expansion to the Caribbean - French luxury cruise operator Ponant expanded its offerings with new all-inclusive cruise routes to the Caribbean, attracting high-end travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. |
| Nov 2024 | Family-Friendly European Itineraries - Voyageurs du Monde launched bespoke itineraries tailored to French families, including heritage tours and culinary experiences across Europe. |
| Oct 2024 | Direct Flights to Australia - Air France launched a non-stop service from Paris to Sydney, aiming to cater to French travelers exploring the Australian East Coast. |
| Sept 2024 | Corporate Retreats in French Countryside - Accor Hotels introduced new corporate retreat programs in regions like Provence and the Loire Valley, targeting teams looking for unique, luxurious settings for team-building activities. |
Day Trips and Local Getaways Lead the Segment
By 2025, Day Trips and Local Getaways will be 32% of all outbound travel from France, reflecting a trend among travelers seeking quick, convenient escapes from their daily work and routine. Such short breaks are highly appealing to the individual, couple, and small group traveler wishing to visit new destinations without committing themselves to lengthy holidays. With busy work schedules and family commitments, the appeal of short breaks lies in the ability to experience a fresh city or region over the course of just a weekend or a few days, making it easier to fit into hectic lifestyles.
Popular destinations for these short getaways include nearby European cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Nice, each offering rich cultural experiences, delicious cuisine, and a variety of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in a short timeframe. For example, Barcelona’s iconic architecture, vibrant food scene, and Mediterranean beaches offer a blend of culture and relaxation that can easily be explored over a weekend. Similarly, Amsterdam's picturesque canals, museums, and cycling culture make it an ideal location for a fast-paced but immersive city break. Nice, located on the French Riviera, is a favorite for those seeking sun, beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere, yet with easy access to the cultural and historical gems of the region.
The rise of budget airlines and fast train routes has played a pivotal role in making these destinations even more accessible, with many low-cost carriers offering affordable flights from France to major European cities. High-speed train services like the TGV also provide fast and efficient travel to cities like Paris to Barcelona, making them perfect for those seeking a getaway without the hassle of long travel times. This accessibility not only makes these destinations ideal for short trips but also significantly contributes to the rapid growth of this market segment, as more French travelers embrace the convenience and flexibility of short getaways.
Independent Travelers Gaining Popularity
Independent travelers will account for 40% of the French outbound tourism market by 2025, a definite sign of the trend towards customized and flexible travel. This increasingly diverse market comprises solo travelers, couples, and families who are increasingly demanding full control of the planning and execution of their trip. In contrast to the set-itinerary package tours of the past, independent travelers tend to plan their own travel itineraries according to their own specific tastes and interests. This is because they are attracted to more unstructured, non-touristy experiences where visitors can go their own pace and on their own terms.
For instance, single French travelers are now more common in distant lands like Southeast Asia, where they seek to submerge themselves in foreign cultures with backpacking travel. They will usually opt to travel to Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, where they are able to cover the areas in more flexibility and spontaneity. In the same vein, couples are choosing secluded getaways to famous romantic destinations such as Santorini, Greece, or Bali, Indonesia, where they can design private, customized experiences like private tours, customized dinners, and customized sightseeing.
This transformation has been facilitated by the growth of web-based platforms. Websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com enable solo travelers to obtain access to a vast array of accommodations, from villas in the Mediterranean to environmentally friendly accommodations in out-of-the-way parts of Asia, frequently in locations not easily found via conventional tour companies. Furthermore, specialized travel agencies catering to personalized itineraries assist tourists in making detailed and personalized travel plans, targeting less common destinations that may be more difficult to access or reserve using mass-market operators. These websites give French travelers a sense of freedom, enabling them to discover the world on a more personal, satisfying level, making their experiences unique and memorable.
The French outbound travel industry is highly competitive, with established players like Havas Voyages, GO Voyages, and Opodo holding significant market shares. Additionally, niche operators catering to specific market segments, such as luxury travel or adventure tours, continue to thrive. Operators like Kuoni and Club Med, which specialize in luxury vacation packages, and companies such as Intrepid Travel, known for their eco-friendly adventures, cater to the growing demand for customized travel experiences. These companies leverage personalized offerings to compete with mass-market providers.
2025 Market Share of France Outbound Travel Industry Players
The France outbound travel market is highly concentrated among major players like Havas Voyages, GO Voyages, and Opodo. Smaller niche operators focusing on eco-tourism, luxury travel, and independent adventures hold a combined 35% market share, catering to specific traveler needs and offering unique, highly personalized services.
The French outbound travel market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2025 to 2035.
The market is expected to reach USD 124 billion by 2035.
Key drivers include rising disposable incomes, the increasing trend of remote work, growing interest in cultural and eco-tourism, and the demand for personalized travel experiences.
Leading players include travel agencies like Havas Voyages, GO Voyages, and Opodo, alongside niche operators such as Kuoni and Intrepid Travel.
The industry is segmented into Day Trips & Local Gateways, Museums, Pilgrimages, Religious and Heritage Tours, and Others.
The market is analyzed by Independent Traveller, Tour Group, and Package Traveller.
The industry is segmented into Online Booking and Offline Booking.
Segmentation includes 0 to 20 Years, 21 to 40 Years, 41 to 60 Years, and 60 Above.
The industry includes Domestic and International tourism.
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France Outbound Travel Market
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