The trend for tourism in France is clearly improving. Of course, more buses stop at the capital’s main monuments or below the department stores, but it’s enough to walk the streets to find queues at the entrance to major museums like the Louvre, or in front of the more frequent sidewalks of the two. the last years. Good news, while some regions of the world like China, some Asian countries and Russia are still missing subscribers.
Frustrated by almost being deprived of travel for two years, tourists have decided to respond, even if the Covid-19 epidemic marks a new upward phase (200,000 cases in 24 hours). According to the tourism office, Greater Paris welcomed 12.1 million visitors (including 60% foreigners) between January and the end of May. This is 30% less than two years ago. But as the weeks go by, the gap shrinks thanks to more and more reservations, albeit often late.
Return of the Americans
According to a study by the GfK Institute for Visa* cards, foreign tourists have planned to enjoy their holidays in France. And more specifically, the Americans, who planned to spend an average of about 7,650 euros for an average stay of almost ten days, knowing that 52% of that amount would be spent locally. Therefore, it is a budget of 400 euros per day, which they planned to allocate mainly to restaurants. 31% of the budget allocated to leisure and cultural activities will be spent on food, 15% on access to historical sites, and 15% on shopping.
Paris remains essential
The capital continues to be visited by tourists. However, when they have other destinations on their agenda, Marseille comes out on top, cited by 28% of respondents. Paris Disneyland (27%), followed by Nice (26%), and Versailles and Lyon tied for fifth (22%).
Let’s remind that in Greater Paris (the capital city and 3 inner suburbs departments) the number of tourists in 2019 was 38 million (all nationalities combined, including the French), 12.3 million in 2020 and 18 million in 2021. The goal is to cross. 33 million in 2022.
A popular cultural activity
For 40% of foreign tourists, the main purpose of being in France is to visit historical sites and museums. While Americans say they favor cultural activities, Belgians favor relaxation and the outdoors, while Brits tend to visit friends and family. To get around, half of tourists plan to use the city’s public transportation, followed by the train, taxi, and rental car.
The methodology.
Online interviews were conducted in May with people intending to travel to France in 2022 from the US (810), the UK (811), Germany (806) and Belgium (811), i.e. a total of 3,238 people based on 35 questions. questionnaire.
Source: Le Figaro
