While the year 2024 has just ended and, even if the “official” figures have not yet been released, it seems to appear to be a “good vintage” in terms of foreign tourist attendance, let us look at the perception that foreign tourists who come to visit us have of France.
Good, but less than Spain or Italy
A country of culture, history, heritage, geographical diversity, great natural sites as well as towns and villages rich in discoveries, etc., etc., France, as we know, has been popular for a long time. To the point, we also know, of being permanently or almost the most visited country in the world.
However, it is always useful to examine from time to time the expectations and perception that the foreign public has of the country. This is also what Atout France does regularly, this organization which we have already spoken to you about and whose aim is to promote tourist activity in France through marketing and communication campaigns throughout the world aimed at to highlight the assets of our cities and territories.
This is how, in 2024, the organization surveyed several thousand international visitors from around thirty countries through an in-depth study.
What emerges is that, for France as for many destinations around the world, the desire of almost everyone is to first live rich experiences combining visits, significant cultural and historical heritage, nature preserved and relaxation between outings, shopping and culinary discoveries; all in pleasant climatic conditions and efficient infrastructure (accommodation, transport, etc.).
Various things to which France obviously seems to provide good answers, since it is in the Top 3 of popular destinations both after a trip there and with the idea of (re)coming to France. In this respect, with its overall score of 6.3 out of 10, France is just behind Spain (6.6) and Italy (6.6).
Quite a few advantages then, but also – as one might suspect – recurring criticisms such as the idea for three-quarters of respondents that the French are not very welcoming to tourists, that the weather is not necessarily always at the top, especially for swimming, or that France is not an economical destination to travel or good value for money.
Or precisely these three points which make the difference with our Spanish or Italian neighbors who are undeniably better recognized in this area. To the point that one day perhaps the same people could, if we are not careful, dethrone France from its place as the most visited country on the planet…
