France Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in france, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Travel and Tourism (TRA)
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Overview

The United States remains one of the top choices among long-haul destinations for French travelers. In 2024, France ranked number 3 among European markets after the United Kingdom and Germany, and number 8 worldwide.  In 2024, the U.S. attracted 1,706,081 million French travelers, an increase of +7% compared to 2023.  

Best Prospects

The United States is a popular destination for French travelers, ranked number one among long-haul destinations.  California, the U.S. National Parks, New York, and Florida remain the favorite destinations. Other regions such as the Southwest, Rocky Mountain states, and the Deep South (Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee) are becoming popular, particularly with second or third-time visitors. The French are highly fond of culture and history. Many French travelers choose cities renowned for their artwork or museums (New York, Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago).  Images of cowboys and Native Americans surrounded by open spaces remain vivid in the French imagination, which explains why Western states such as Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, and New Mexico are popular in France.

With Covid-19, French tourists preferred off-the-beaten-track destinations and outdoor activities. They might discover new National Parks & Reserves, Landmarks, and some states known for their natural beauty like Oregon, Washington State, and Alaska.   

The French have five weeks of paid vacation per year. The average length of stay in the United States is approximately two weeks. The French are very individualistic in their travel behavior, which explains why 70% percent choose “Fly and Drive” options. Retired people prefer organized trips. 

Nine carriers offer non-stop flights from France to the United States. The U.S. carriers are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and United. The European carriers are Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, French Bee, La Compagnie, and Norse Atlantic Airways. The airlines have almost reached the same capacity as they had in 2019.

The Visit USA Committee France 

Following the closing of the United States Travel and Tourism Administration (USTTA) in 1996, the U.S. Commercial Service has supported the establishment of the Visit USA Committee, a private industry association aimed at promoting the United States as a travel and tourism destination. The Visit USA Committee, with 170 members, is one of the biggest Visit USA in the world. The Visit USA Committee organizes a wide range of promotional actions: travel trade fairs, workshops, e-learning programs for travel agents, the Visit USA Media Awards ceremony, video clips, and monthly newsletters dedicated to trade, press, and consumers. Visit USA Committee France: www.office-tourisme-usa.com

Major travel trade fair: 
IFTM (International French Travel Market) 
Location: Paris – Expo Porte de Versailles
Dates: September 15-17, 2026
Number of visitors: 35,000 
Show Organizer: Reed Exhibitions France
B-For will organize a USA pavilion with the Visit USA and U.S. Commercial Service at the American Embassy Paris. The USA pavilion will host 20+ exhibitors.

France Travel Tech (Fast Facts)

  • 154 million dollars raised in 2023, led by the hotel sector.
  • 60% of funds raised were completed by startups with over 100 employees.
  • Main public investors: Bpifrance, Banque des Territoires, Régions.
  • Tourism has become a key driver of tech innovation, particularly through digital platforms offering Software as a Service (SaaS), as well as through cutting-edge solutions involving: 
  • Immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), that allow users to explore cultural sites.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including big data, cloud computing, chatbots, and service robots that enhance traveler experience and operational efficiency.
  • The Internet of Things (IoT) and smart connectivity, which can be used to optimize resource management and visitor flows within tourism facilities.
  • Blockchain and cryptographic technologies, which support secure transactions, digital certifications, insurance contracts, and even verification of digital art.
  • Cybersecurity, a growing priority to safeguard sensitive data for both businesses and individual travelers.
  • Next-gen mobility solutions, aimed at streamlining transportation through bike-sharing programs, autonomous shuttles, electric boats, and integrated multimodal systems that improve travel flexibility and sustainability.

Contact:  U.S. Embassy France - U.S. Commercial Service Trade Specialist
Valérie Ferrière, Valerie.Ferriere@trade.gov

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