Page last updated: 23 July 2024
France has traditionally been one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and continues to lead global tourism rankings, with projections showing it remains the largest European destination for international travelers in 2024.

How many tourists are expected to visit France in 2024?
France is set to welcome over 101 million visitors in 2024, surpassing both the previous year’s figures and the pre-pandemic peak of 90 million in 2019.
- This growth is partly fueled by the highly anticipated Paris Olympics scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
- Over 16 million sports enthusiasts and tourists are expected to arrive for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.1
- Sojern’s data indicates a 125% increase in flight bookings to Paris for the 2024 Olympics compared to the previous year. The United States leads with 23.8% of these bookings, followed closely by Canada, the UK, Japan, and Spain.2
- From the event period of July 26 to August 11, an 8% increase in international flight bookings was reported by ForwardKeys (a travel data analytics firm).
- About 11.3 million visitors are anticipated by Paris je t’aime, the city’s tourism board, to arrive during the Olympics Games (with 1.5 million will be international visitors) and a further 4 million visitors estimated for the Paralympics Games.
How much are tourists expected to spend in France in 2024?
Tourist spending in France is projected to exceed €60 billion in 2024, fueled by a larger volume of visitors.
- The Paris Olympic Games alone, spanning 19 days, are expected to contribute an additional €10.7 billion to the French economy.
- However, some international tourists are avoiding the city due to expected overcrowding and increased prices. This has contributed to losses and reduced bookings in some industries. Air France anticipates a shortfall of about €180 million ($196 million) for the quarter3, while Delta observed a $100 million decrease in bookings to Paris.
How much will the Olympic Games contribute to the French economy?
Early estimates by the Organising Committee suggested a potential contribution of up to €10.7 billion to the French economy, with Paris and the Île-de-France region alone receiving €5.7 billion. These figures are subject to the success of the Games and the accompanying tourism boost.
- Read more: Paris Tourism Statistics: 2024 Forecasts
What are the key areas expected to benefit from the Olympic boost?
Hospitality and accommodation sector4:
- It’s estimated the hotel occupancy rate could surge to 98% during the Games.
- A 25% increase in general accommodation prices is expected due to heightened demand.
- Airbnb and other sharing economy platforms are also expected to benefit substantially, with potential earnings amounting to around €100 million.
Restaurant and retail businesses:
- Parisian restaurants could welcome around 30% more customers than usual, leading to a potential 20% increase in revenue.
- Retail outlets, particularly in central Paris, anticipate a sales increase of around 40% during the Games.
Transport and infrastructure:
- Public transport usage is expected to increase by 15% as visitors navigate the city and its Olympic venues.
- Around €6.8 billion is estimated to be invested in urban infrastructure advancements linked to the Games, improving mobility and connectivity for residents and tourists alike.
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Will there be a long-term effect on tourism after the Olympics?
- Increase in Visitors: Based on the current projections, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are expected to contribute an additional two to four million tourists annually in the following years in France.
- Sustainability Efforts: The Paris 2024 Olympics aim to set new benchmarks in sustainability, including minimizing environmental impact and promoting social inclusivity.5
- Employment Opportunities: The event is projected to create approximately 119,000 jobs every year from 2024 to 2030 due to the long-term impact of the games on tourism and the economy.6
France’s travel and tourism industry is expected to grow by 3% each year for the next ten years. This rate is twice as fast as the overall French economy’s growth rate. By 2033, the industry could be worth more than €297 billion and make up 9.7% of the country’s economy.7
Paris Olympics Games 2024 – Facts and Statistics
The 2024 Summer Olympic Games mark the 100th anniversary of the last time Paris hosted the Olympics, back in 1924. A symbol of the games coming full circle, Paris will be one of the few cities to host the Olympics thrice, having first hosted in 1900.
How Many Countries and Athletes will Participate in the Paris Olympics 2024?
Over 10,500 athletes from more than 200 countries are expected to compete, showcasing the global appeal and extensive scale of the event.
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References
- MDDEI: Bercy Se Mobilise Pour Les Jeux – Visitors And Athlètes ↩︎
- Sojern: France Travel Demand and Flight Bookings to Paris ↩︎
- AirFrance: 1st quarter 2024 results ↩︎
- STR: Hotel and Other Accommodations Booking in France ↩︎
- WEF: Sustainability Efforts in 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games ↩︎
- Olympics: Strive to Maximize the Socio-Economic Impact of Sport ↩︎
- WTTC: France as the Most Popular Destination for International Visitors ↩︎