The percentage of French taking a vacation during the recent winter holiday period passed pre-pandemic rates, the latest sign of a strong rebound for this critical economic sector.
According to a new report by Atout France, the nation’s tourism association, 27% of French people took a trip during the 2023 winter holidays, topping the 25% rate for 2019.
Of those travelers, 79% took a holiday in mainland France, including 41% who traveled outside the region where they live. Urban destinations were the most popular, with 36% visiting a city, followed by 27% visiting the mountains, 21% visiting the coast, and 21% visiting the countryside.
Despite poor snowfall this year, the report noted that hotel occupancy rates in the Alps and Pyrenees mountains were close to those in 2019. British tourists represented the biggest demographic visiting French mountain regions, finally able to enjoy travel free of Covid restrictions.
The city of Paris has also rebounded strongly, but the report highlights the fact that trade shows and conference, both major magnets of visitors, have yet to reach pre-pandemic numbers.
Source : Forbes