Rendez Vous en France 2025 has concluded after a successful two days of busy appointment scheduled in a former abbatoir that serves as Lyon’s new convention centre. Travel Extra was among the 28 international journalists at the event.
The event concluded with a French Evening at the Grand Hôtel-Dieu, combining a Beaujolais Prestige Evening and The Village Evening.
The Office de Tourisme du Beaujolais invited several delegations of tour operators to the prestigious Château de Bagnols, a five-star establishment that was specially opened for this occasion, to celebrate a closing evening in the Beaujolais region. The evening featured a cocktail reception with a variety of entertainment to create an unforgettable experience.
In collaboration with Alpes Isère, The Village Outlet invited selected delegations of tour operators to explore its professional facilities and enjoy shopping at its stores, which remained open until 8 PM for the event. Guests were treated to a sound and light show followed by dinner in one of the on-site restaurants.
Here are the key takeaways from Renxdez Vous en France 2025:
- France’s inbound tourism is positioned for another blockbuster year, with early trends showing a 10pc uptick in international visits over 2024’s first quarter. Whether you’re after art, adventure, or eco-conscious travel, France in 2025 offers something new to explore.
- In 2025, tourism to France is experiencing a wave of fresh developments, building on the momentum of a record-breaking 2024, when over 100m international visitors flocked to the country. This year, several exciting updates are enhancing France’s appeal as a top global destination, blending cultural milestones, sustainable initiatives, and innovative travel experiences.
- Paris is riding the “Olympics Games Effect” from the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, with a projected 16pc increase in air arrivals this quarter compared to last year. The city’s tourism scene is evolving with urban beaches along the Seine, part of an ongoing transformation to make the river more accessible and enjoyable for visitors.
- The Notre-Dame Cathedral, reopened in late 2024 after extensive restoration following the 2019 fire, continues to draw crowds with new visitor experiences like guided tours of its restored Gothic architecture and interactive exhibits on its history. It is heaving with visitors and managing the number of them is now becoming a priority.
- Sustainability is a major focus, aligning with France’s ambition to become the world’s leading sustainable tourism destination by 2030. New regulations in 2025 require short-term rental properties in high-demand areas to meet stricter energy performance standards (at least an “F” rating on the DPE scale, improving to “E” by 2028). This push for eco-friendly accommodations complements broader efforts, such as expanded carbon-offsetting programs for air travel and eco-certification for hotels. Travelers can expect more low-carbon adventure options, particularly in regions like the Alps, where outdoor activities like hiking and cycling are being promoted with minimal environmental impact.
- Cultural events are also spotlighting France in 2025. The Palais Garnier, Paris’ iconic opera house, celebrates its 150th anniversary with a year-long program of concerts, exhibitions, and themed tours delving into its architectural grandeur and artistic legacy. In Caen, the city’s millennium celebration features the reopening of its restored château on March 20, 2025, alongside special events showcasing Norman heritage. Also in Normandy, a Battlefield for Peace project, dedicated to raining money for mine clearance and which has Irish participation. The Centre Pompidou hosts “Black Paris” from March 19 to June 30, a groundbreaking exhibition highlighting 50 Black artists of African descent, offering a fresh perspective on France’s multicultural art scene before the museum closes for a five-year renovation.
- The French Riviera is getting a luxurious boost with the Anantara Plaza Hotel in Nice, which opened recently and is gaining traction in 2025 for its blend of sophistication and sustainability. In Biarritz, the Villa Fal reopens in spring as a fashion and design hub, set in a Palladian-style villa, appealing to travelers interested in creative and cultural immersion. On the cruise front, the MSC World America naming ceremony on April 9 at PortMiami strengthens France’s cruise tourism ties, with its Mediterranean voyages starting in 2026, including stops in iconic French ports.
- Regulatory changes are shaping the tourism landscape too. Local municipalities now have the power to set quotas on short-term rentals to preserve housing, while tax deductions for vacation rentals have been adjusted—50pc for classified rentals (up to €77,700 annually) and 30pc for unclassified ones (up to €15,000)—encouraging higher standards. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), launching in mid-2025, will require non-EU travelers to register online before entering, streamlining border security.
- Rendez Vous en France 2026 is heading for Nice to showcase the Côte d’Azur as a tourist destination from March 31 to April 2, 2026.
A written statement shared : Rendez Vous En France, organised by Atout France, gathered 1,950 tourism professionals, including 817 international opinion leaders from 62 countries and 704 French exhibitors. Set against a backdrop of anticipated growth in international tourism revenue, projected to reach €71 billion in 2024 alongside an expected influx of around 100 million visitors, this edition aims to enhance and solidify France’s appeal as a destination.
The event was designed to accelerate the promotion of France’s tourism offerings in the international market while providing industry professionals with the necessary support and guidance to showcase an increasingly diverse, innovative, sustainable, and inclusive portfolio. Over the course of two days, a total of 28,144 pre-scheduled business meetings took place in the 11,000 m² Halle Tony Garnier.
In the weekend preceding or following the trade show, 400 tour operators participated in 53 familiarisation trips, allowing them to discover the rich variety and authentic charm of French destinations, thus equipping them to effectively promote these offerings in their respective markets.
Atout France, along with its long-standing partners, which include Air France, 13 regional tourism bodies, and Paris Je t’aime, aims to make this edition a valuable opportunity for reinforcing France’s position in international markets. Hosting this 18th edition in Lyon, in collaboration with ONLYLYON Tourisme et Congrès and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme, presents a chance to showcase the region’s numerous assets and reaffirm the collective commitment to fostering a more responsible and appealing form of tourism.
Tour operators
In 2025, 817 opinion leaders, compared to 813 in 2024, from 62 countries, were selected and invited by Atout France to meet with French professionals. The distribution of tour operators by region is as follows:
- Europe: 423 tour operators, including 90 from France. our operators from Europe continue to dominate, with significant numbers from England (164 operators), Italy (38), and Germany (37), accounting for 52% of the visitors in 2025. For long-distance markets, the largest delegations of tour operators are from the USA (75 operators), Japan (46), Brazil (35), South Korea (34), China (32), India (35), and Canada (26).
- Asia Pacific and Africa: 191 tour operators from South Africa, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, India, and Japan.
- Americas: 167 tour operators from the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico.
- Middle East: 36 tour operators from Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and Turkey.
Meeting Logistics
A key to the success of the Rendez-vous en France event is the advance scheduling of meetings between tour operators and exhibitors. The registration and appointment system on the www.rendezvousenfrance.pro website allows tour operators to specify their programming preferences. This facilitates mutual identification of interests, ensuring productive and relevant meetings, and optimizing attendance at the show. By the end of the meeting arrangement period, a total of 28,144 scheduled business meetings had been registered.
International Press Engagement
In addition to buyers, 26 journalists from the international press were invited by Atout France, presenting an opportunity to enhance the visibility of French destinations and their offerings. On April 1, they explored the city of Lyon through three themed programs that highlighted its blend of tradition and modernity, visiting sites such as the silk district, Old Lyon, the “traboules,” the Musée Lumière, the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse markets, the opera house, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. They enjoyed city tours and traditional meals in a “bouchon.”
On April 2, the journalists attended morning talks focused on major events, as well as new initiatives in cultural tourism across French destinations.
Transport Partner
Air France served as the official transport provider for the event. More than three out of every four international tour operators utilized Air France services to reach their French and regional destinations. This year, Air France reaffirmed its partnership with Atout France by providing plane tickets. The airline also showcased a scale model of its new Premium seat at the Pavillon France Stand M12/N9 during the show.
Innovation Area
At the Rendez-vous en France trade show, Atout France and its partners highlight France’s commitment to innovation in tourism. They provide attendees with the opportunity to explore products and services developed by innovative French companies aimed at enhancing the tourist experience and improving service offerings for tourism professionals.
In collaboration with France Tourisme Tech and the France Tourisme Lab network, a dedicated space featured six innovative solutions selected for their potential to transform and enrich tourists’ experiences. This area offers professionals a unique chance to meet these innovators and discover their new tools and services.
This initiative reflects Atout France and its partners’ dedication to supporting the sustainable transformation of the tourism economy through innovation. Two notable solutions were showcased during the trade show:
- Odiho: Providing a specialized sound system for the pitching session.
- E-Motion: Presenting exclusive entertainment during the France evening.
Other innovative solutions include:
- Cryptors in the City: A cultural reality game that combines street art and video gaming, inviting all generations to rediscover cultural heritage. More Info
- E-Motion: A stand-alone image capture system that offers visitors unique souvenirs to share on social media while promoting destinations. More Info
- Itinair’bis: Focused on promoting local heritage, Itinair’bis designs customizable itineraries full of genuine, off-the-beaten-path experiences. More Info
- Les Flaneuses: Movable antifatigue chairs that visitors can take with them, allowing them to relax, lean, carry children, and transport belongings. More Info
- Le Gouvernail by Viamouv: An eco-friendly way-finding tool designed and manufactured in France, featuring customized, interchangeable maps without the need for electricity. More Info
- Namastay: Enhances the digital experience for clients with an optimized booking engine that boosts direct bookings. More Info
- Several pitching sessions took place at stand M2:
Inclusive Tourism
Ninety-seven organizations awarded the “Tourism and Disability” label participated in the trade show. Following the 2024 reform of national tourism brands, Atout France now manages the operational aspects of the Tourisme & Handicap label. This label promotes accessible tourism and recognizes tourist sites and establishments providing disability-friendly services across four categories of disability: hearing, intellectual, motor, and visual. It ensures that all visitors can expect quality service.
By assisting professionals in obtaining this label, Atout France demonstrates its commitment to inclusion and raises awareness about the importance of accessibility in the industry. For travelers, this label serves as a reliable reference to help identify venues tailored to their specific needs, facilitating confident travel planning.
Currently, the label is adopted by 3,700 organizations and aligns with the goals of sustainable and inclusive tourism, prepared to meet present and future expectations. Exhibitors awarded the “Tourism and Disability” label were identified in the trade show catalogue, online meeting arrangements, and the event’s interactive plan.
Sustainability
For several years, Atout France has been committed to reducing the environmental footprint of its events. The initiative to design eco-responsible events includes integrating sustainable development considerations into event planning. The goal is to assess the social, environmental, economic, and cultural impacts of hosting events.
In pursuit of more responsible choices throughout the show’s organization, Atout France strives to explore actionable proposals and strategies. For instance, Rendez-vous prioritizes the use of reusable stands each year, most furniture is rented, and carpets are recycled. The organization also focuses on minimizing food waste and using seasonal products from local producers for the meals provided.
In terms of transportation between venues (hotels, exhibition grounds, evening events), carriers are selected based on their environmental practices and efficiency in vehicle use. A carbon balance for the trade show were conducted to assess CO2 emissions and identify opportunities for further sustainable practices.
Fam trips
For the 18th edition of the trade show, international buyers had the opportunity to choose from 53 discovery programs throughout France.
These stays, organized on the weekend before or after the trade show, provide a unique chance for foreign opinion leaders to explore the tourist attractions of French destinations firsthand. This exclusive initiative allows participants to gain direct experience with France’s tourism products.
The various tours highlight the destinations’ new features, including Michelin-starred restaurants, emblematic and lesser-known sites, quality accommodations, tourist attractions, and cultural events. They also serve to promote themed stays to international clientele, focusing on areas such as wine tourism, gastronomy, arts and crafts, urban tourism, golf, cycling, and culture.
These experiences are designed to encourage the future programming of destinations visited by the buyers in the short to medium term. Approximately 50pc of tour operators take part in one of the offered stays.
- Lyon Highlights
- Culture, Heritage, Urban Tourism
- Lyon Unusual Tour
- Lyon Easy & Special Senior Tour
- Lyon, Family Destination
- Lyon Exclusive Tour
- Lyon Best Day Trip
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- Discover the Unsuspected Treasures of Beaujolais Vineyards
- Golf & Gastronomy
- French Alps Highlights
- French Alps Luxury Tour
- French Alps Romantic Lakes
- Stay of Excellence in Drôme-Ardèche
- Enjoy Provence in Drôme-Ardèche, South of France
- Heritage, Culture, Wellness
- Nature & Winter Sports
- Understanding the Isère Alps Over Time: Between Plains and Mountains
- An Authentic Break in the Heart of Auvergne: Between Vichy and Volcanoes
- City Break/UNESCO & Culture: Lyon & Saint-Étienne
- Modern Art, Architecture, UNESCO Heritage: Between Loire & Haute-Loire
- Via Rhona: Cycling Routes, Lake, and Rhône Valley (TGV Valence-Toulouse)
- Vallée de la Gastronomie: Gourmet Journey
- Genuine and Unusual Experiences
- Heritage, Gastronomy, Art de Vivre
- The Unmissable French World Gastronomy Destination
- Special Mont Blanc Ski Tour
- The 4-Seasons Mountain: The Alps & Alpe d’Huez
- Les Arcs & La Plagne/Paradiski
- Val d’Isère & Lyon: Winter Sports
- Tignes & Lyon: Winter Sports
- Burgundy & Franche-Comté
- The Jura Mountains: Nature and Culture
- The Burgundy Region: Nature and Culture
- Destination Rennes & Le Voyage à Nantes
- Nantes/Rennes/Mont-St-Michel: Urban, Culture, and Gastronomy
- Centre-Val de Loire
- Château & Art de Vivre
- Eastern France Tourism Agency/Alsace/Ardennes
- Excellence in Eastern France
- Stunning Alsace: Urban Treasures and Genuine Getaways
- The Natural & Cultural Highlights of the French Ardennes
- Hauts-de-France
- French Art de Vivre in the Hauts-de-France Region: Culture and Heritage
- Normandy and Medieval Heritage: Culture, Heritage, Urban Tourism
- Lifestyle in Normandy: Well-being, Coastline, Active Nature
- Western Normandy Off-the-Beaten-Track: Culture, Heritage, Active Nature, Coastline
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Heritage and Art de Vivre in Bordeaux & Poitiers: Slow/Low-Impact Tourism, Active Holidays, Culture and Nature
- Heritage and Art de Vivre in Bordeaux & Poitiers
- Luxury and Gastronomy in Bordeaux & Biarritz/Pays Basque
- Culture and Heritage in Hérault and Gard
- Great Tourism and the Art of Living by the Pyrenees: Hautes-Pyrénées/Toulouse
- Mountain, Well-being, Religious, Nature
- UNESCO Sites and Most Beautiful Villages of France: Lot/Tarn/Toulouse
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
- Vintage Vibes and Timeless Treasures: A Cultural Journey through Nice & Antibes
- Glamour & Hidden Gems of Antibes & the Var
- A Gastronomic and Wine Odyssey in the Var
- Heritage & Harmony: A Cultural Sojourn through Arles, Cassis & Marseille
- A Wine & Nature Experience in the Heart of Provence
- Luberon Elegance: A Journey through Provence’s Enchanting Hilltop Villages
- Pays de la Loire
- Oceanic and Natural Wonders of the Atlantic Loire Valley: Slow Tourism, Nature, Coastline, Arts & Crafts
Gallery
Atout France
Atout France is France’s tourism development agency, dedicated to enhancing the attractiveness and competitiveness of the country as a destination. The agency aims to establish France as a global standard-setter in sustainable tourism by 2030, functioning through a unique partnership model that unites nearly 1,200 public and private tourism stakeholders.
Atout France works with teams across France and in 26 countries to create a collective effort towards an ambitious roadmap for the sector: facilitating the transition of French tourism to higher quality, more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive models, ultimately offering unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the world.
The agency utilises its diverse expertise to support French professionals and travelers:
- Observation: Market intelligence and forecasting allow stakeholders to anticipate trends and adjust their offerings and development strategies.
- Innovation: Assistance in deploying innovative solutions to enhance the competitiveness of French tourist offerings while improving client experiences.
- Professionalization: Training courses, conferences, and talks help professionals build their knowledge and skills.
- Engineering: Expert guidance and support for projects aimed at creating sustainable tourism offerings or renovations.
- Quality: Classifications of tourist accommodations and quality labels optimize traveler satisfaction.
- Promotion: Development of marketing strategies in collaboration with partners, targeted communication efforts, and expert market knowledge to raise awareness of France’s tourism product.
Participating countries
Tour operators attended the event from Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.
In numbers
- 704 exhibitors, in charge of tourist sites, hotel facilities, service companies, promotional bodies, department stores, etc. are brought together in 11,000 m2 of display area.
- 817 tour operators
- 26 international journalists
- 62 countries represented
- 2 days of meetings
- 28,144 scheduled business meetings
- 53 fam trips organised prior to the trade show
- 704 French tourism professionals
