The 19th edition of Rendez-vous en France opened on 31 March 2026 in Nice and the first day of meetings and presentations delivered a clear snapshot of the current state of French tourism. Industry professionals from across the country and more than 1,000 international buyers gathered on the French Riviera and shared the following ten key takeaways.
- 102 million international visitors cannot be wrong, France was the world’s most visited country in 2025 and intends to hold its position against stiff opposition from Spain (100 million), the destination remains irresistible to global travellers.
- Nice is booming with France’s second busiest international airport after Paris Charles de Gaulle recording strong passenger growth and confirming the city’s rising status as a major gateway to the south of France.
- Snow resorts in the Alps and Pyrenees are actively looking to the summer market with new hiking, wellness and family programmes designed to extend their operating seasons and reduce reliance on winter snow.
- The Olympic bounce continues to drive bookings to Paris with many tour operators reporting firm reservations through 2027 thanks to the lasting legacy of the 2024 Games.
- Worry has grown over a big rise in business costs caused by higher fuel prices and other inflation pressures that are squeezing margins across hotels, restaurants and transport providers.
- Recruitment in the hospitality sector remains a problem with many operators still struggling to fill skilled positions ahead of the busy summer period.
- New attractions for 2026 were unveiled including the opening of World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris on 29 March 2026, a major new contemporary art centre in Lyon and an expanded Futuroscope park in Poitiers.
- Public transport and other infrastructural improvements are progressing rapidly with the extension of Nice tram lines, faster high-speed rail services between Paris and the Côte d’Azur and significant upgrades to regional airports across the country.
- Hotel openings planned for 2026 include the new Cheval Blanc Paris, a Mandarin Oriental property in Marseille and several luxury boutique hotels along the French Riviera that will add hundreds of rooms to the national inventory.
- Fears were raised over possible increases in aviation and tourist taxes which many international buyers believe could harm France’s price competitiveness in key source markets.
