Tourism in France: the new strategy

France is still the world’s leading destination with more than 100 million visitors in 2024. The sector represents 8 % of GDP! But competition is not far away and to maintain its rank the country must review its tourism policy in France. The Interdepartmental Tourism Committee which took place in Angers in July gave the head of this strategy.

And for that, the actors will rely on new technologies and better structure the decision -making bodies. In particular, there will be the appointment of a new general management of Atout France To include the operator’s action in the tourism value strategy. Tourist data will be more widely shared at the service of actors thanks to the overhaul of the annual publication calendar of the tourist data. And the tourism sector committee is relaunched to reinforce tourist vision.

On the reality side, tourism furnishings will be better regulated according to territorial realities. Indeed, the La Meur-Echaniz law adopted in November 2024, puts several legal tools available to mayors to enable them to regulate tourist furnishings with regard to the specifics of their territory.

On the data and modernization side, the publication of a Carbon footprint indicator. A major decarbonation strategy in the tourism sector in France is also planned. Objective: to become the first sustainable destination by 2030.

Finally, note the launch of a new promotion of France Tourism Tech. Objective: to support the rise of innovation and tech.

Tourism law in France has not changed in recent years. The inter -ministerial committee therefore decided to review certain texts. And Some points could interest us, we campears. For example, the Committee talks about clarifying the rules in terms of hotel deposit, especially for the outdoor hotel sector. Or soften the regulations relating to slight leisure homes for this sector. On the aid side, it was noted to widen the use of dematerialized vacuum checks to purchase tourist services via platforms.

And for that, the government wants to bet on the benefits of the Olympic Games. With 5 billion viewers, the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games were a great international showcase for the tourism development of France. To support this heritage in tourism in France, a new international communication campaign on destination France, carried out by Atout France, was launched. This campaign is called “Play extensions”.

Similarly, continuing to bounce back on the Olympic Games, the Interministerial Tourism Committee acted the development of sports tourism. With as major measures: access to sports tourism for priority audiences, in particular young people and people with disabilities, a guide to good practices for local authorities to encourage major sporting events, the “Vivrive Sport” platform carried by the Ministry of Sports will be enriched, in partnership with public and private actors. Also, a hiking route centered around the emblematic places of Paris 2024 will be created.

To remain the world’s leading destination, you have to know how to renew yourself. The 2030 Road Leaf therefore aims to develop certain sectors applied to tourism. This is particularly the case for wine tourism. 12 million tourists practiced wine tourism in 2024, an increase of 20 % compared to 2016. This emblematic sector of French landscapes and gastronomic heritage deserves more valued through the development of tourism
specialized.

Agritourism is also in the viewfinder of French policies.

You can find all measures in the report of the Interministerial Tourism Committee.