France tourism rebounds post-pandemic in the summer of 2022

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The summer of 2022 has been a rebound year for tourism in France after a two-year drop caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

During a recent news conference, France’s Tourism Minister Olivia Gregoire said that 35 million French people — or about seven out of 10 — went on vacation this year, compared to 60% last year, Reuters reported. 

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That’s in spite of heat waves, wildfires and fears of a rise in the cost of living, according to Reuters.

Gregoire said the uptick in tourism has been "exceptional" this year, based on preliminary data.

This summer, 35 million French people went on vacation. Pedestrians are shown on Bordeaux, France's Rue Sainte-Catherine. This street is one of the longest shopping streets in Europe. (iStock)

Before the pandemic, France was the most visited country in the world, bringing in almost 90 million foreign tourists in 2019, according to Reuters.

Tourism in France is up this summer, after a two-year dip caused by the coronavirus pandemic.  (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)

"We want to remain the number-one destination in the world," Gregoire said.

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Hotel industry data for July and the first half of August shows revenue per available room (RevPAR) was up 22.2% compared to 2019, Reuters reported.

France was the most visited country in the world in 2019 — and the country hopes to continue to be a top destination.  (iStock)

For France, tourism provides 2 million jobs and generates 8% of the national gross domestic product, Reuters reported.

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Reuters contributed reporting to this article.