Covid already seems far away. International tourism receipts in France reached an “exceptional” amount over the first three quarters of 2023, the Atout France agency, responsible for promoting French tourism abroad, indicated this Wednesday, November 29.
From January to September 2023, revenues reach 50.4 billion euros, up 11.6% compared to last year, according to a press release. This result is even up 12.4% compared to 2019.
After an already record summer, these good results continued in September. Over this month alone, international tourism receipts reached 6.2 billion euros, thanks to a very strong increase in spending by Americans (+ 40% compared to 2019, + 7% compared to September 2022) and the rebound growing number of Asian customers, particularly Japanese, notes Atout France.
The RevPar – revenue per room, a flagship indicator of the sector – in the hotel industry in September is “significantly higher” than that of September 2019 (+ 24%) and September 2022 (+ 11%).
The Rugby World Cup effect
Among the events that particularly contributed to these very good results, the Atout France agency particularly highlights the Rugby World Cup, which took place from September 8 to October 28 in France. This made it possible to boost the number of nights spent by international tourist customers in the competing countries, which increased by 39% in the 9 host cities of the competition.
Australia represents in particular 26% of the additional flow, followed by Japan at 22%. Argentina accounts for 7% of the observed growth, South Africa for 6%, Uruguay for 5%, and New Zealand for 4%. Among Europeans, the Irish were also very present, contributing 12% of the increase, as did the British, at 16%.
The agency also considers that the end of the year is “well oriented”, its latest Barometer on travel intentions (carried out in 10 countries) confirming “the maintenance of France among the most attractive destinations in Europe in the 6 months to come.
Towards good figures in 2024 thanks to the Olympics?
Judging “very likely that France will surpass last year’s record by December”, the Minister for Tourism Olivia Grégoire welcomed in the press release the results which presage “a very good tourist season next summer in the occasion of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, again for the benefit of all the territories hosting the Games.
“Our efforts, in conjunction with the destinations hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games events, will now focus on preparing for this deadline, which constitutes a fantastic new opportunity to enhance the tourist potential of all destinations in France “, adds Caroline Leboucher, general director of Atout France.