Why is tourism important in France?
Tourism is a major part of the French economy, representingclose to 8% of GDPand 2 million direct and indirect jobs. It is also a recognized soft power asset abroad, and France has been the world’s leading tourist destination for years. A record 90 million international tourists visited France in 2019, including its overseas communities.
Who is responsible for tourism policy in France?
Since 2014, responsibility for tourism policy is shared between the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, which promotes France abroad as a tourist destination, and the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, which is responsible for the regulatory framework.
What is the pattern of increasing tourist flows?
The pattern of increasing tourist flows represents a key challenge in terms of the sustainability of tourism and its public acceptance. A high proportion of international tourist travel is concentrated in three French regions - the greater Paris area, the French Riviera, and the ski resorts of the Alps.
How does tourism contribute to the economy?
Direct tourism employment accounts for 1.4 million jobs, and over 2 million when considering indirect jobs. Tourism contributes positively to the balance of payments, with the tourism balance typically contributing between EUR 14 - 17 billion annually. Travel exports accounted for 22.2% of total service exports in 2018.
The Development of the Tourism Industry in Paris France