France
has retained its title as the world’s most visited country, having broken its
own visitation record in 2025, according to figures from the country's Economy
Ministry.
Euronews
reports that the country welcomed 102 million international visitors last year,
making it the most visited destination on the planet once again. That total
tops 2024, when France hit 100 million arrivals, helped in part by travel tied
to the Paris
Olympic Games.
Those visitors
accounted for 743 million overnight stays, with the majority coming from nearby
countries. About 76 percent of foreign travelers were from other parts of Europe,
according to the ministry. Hotel stays and other commercial accommodations also
saw a noticeable bump, rising 7.5 percent compared to 2024.
And all that travel
translates into big bucks. France generated a record €77.5 billion (about $91.5
billion) in tourism revenue in 2025. That’s nine percent more than in 2024 and 37
percent higher than in 2019, before the pandemic disrupted global travel.
As part of the
announcement, government officials reiterated the nation’s goal of reaching €100
billion ($118 billion) in annual tourism revenue by 2030, while also working to
position France as a leader in more sustainable tourism practices.
While France has held
onto the top tourism spot, its close neighbors are offering some stiff
competition. Spain
followed in second position, welcoming 96.8 million international visitors in
2025. While Spain attracted fewer travelers overall, it actually generated more
tourism revenue than France, bringing in an estimated €105 billion (roughly
$124 billion) for the year.
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