- French business tourism spending has been projected to reach €31.6bn in 2026, a 2.3pc increase.
- The increase has been driven mainly by higher prices rather than volume.
- The number of trips has been forecast to fall slightly by 0.4pc.
- Companies have continued to view face-to-face travel as vital for business relationships.
- The industry focus has shifted toward high value-added services and economic yield per traveller.
Data released at IFTM in Versailles indicates that French business tourism spending has been projected to reach €31.6bn in 2026, a 2.3pc increase according to the IFTM-EPSA barometer. The increase has been driven mainly by higher prices rather than volume, with the number of trips forecast to fall slightly by 0.4pc. Companies have continued to travel but have made careful choices amid inflation and international uncertainty.
The sector has maintained a high overall level of activity. Companies have continued to view face-to-face travel as vital for securing business relationships and managing projects despite sustainability policies and virtual meeting tools. The broader industry focus has shifted toward high value-added services and maximising the economic yield of each traveller.
The IFTM-EPSA barometer has formed the basis of the projection. French business tourism has operated across major hubs including Paris and Lyon. Corporate travel policies in France have incorporated carbon-neutral goals and have increased spending on eco-certified venues and electric rail transit rather than short-haul flights. Blended travel has extended business trips into leisure weekends and has boosted local hospitality sectors.
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