Serge Papin, minister of Tourism and Purchasing Power, delivered a highly favorable summer assessment for the French tourism sector on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, on RTL.
Reservations are up for both domestic vacationers and foreign tourists.
At the same time, the government remains vigilant on food and fuel prices while supporting families with modest means as they head off on vacation.
According to the Minister, several indicators are green across the season. Beginning with bookings by French holidaymakers, rising by 1% to 5%, signaling a favorable shift toward stays in the Hexagon, “from camping to the palace“, he emphasized.
Foreign attendance also shows sustained momentum, marked by a 3% increase in air reservations and a clear rise among distant markets such as Australian visitors (+20%) or South Korean visitors (+16%).
Public enthusiasm is notably focused on inclusive tourism, cycling tourism, coastlines, heritage and craftsmanship, as well as major leisure infrastructures like Disneyland Paris and cultural events planned on the territory, including the World Championships of e-sports, Céline Dion concerts, and the Pope’s visit.
Reservations are up for both domestic vacationers and foreign tourists.
At the same time, the government remains vigilant on food and fuel prices while supporting families with modest means as they head off on vacation.
According to the Minister, several indicators are green across the season. Beginning with bookings by French holidaymakers, rising by 1% to 5%, signaling a favorable shift toward stays in the Hexagon, “from camping to the palace“, he emphasized.
Foreign attendance also shows sustained momentum, marked by a 3% increase in air reservations and a clear rise among distant markets such as Australian visitors (+20%) or South Korean visitors (+16%).
Public enthusiasm is notably focused on inclusive tourism, cycling tourism, coastlines, heritage and craftsmanship, as well as major leisure infrastructures like Disneyland Paris and cultural events planned on the territory, including the World Championships of e-sports, Céline Dion concerts, and the Pope’s visit.
A solidarity program to help low-income families go on vacation
On the sidelines of the celebrations marking the 90th anniversary of paid holidays, the ministry outlined actions taken to guarantee access to vacations for as many people as possible.
A budget of 40 million euros is mobilized through the National Agency for Holiday Vouchers (ANCV) to support low-income households.
This program aims to assist 300,000 families, with a priority focus on single-parent households with young children. The initiative should enable nearly a million people to take a trip this summer, thanks to targeting managed directly at the local level.
A budget of 40 million euros is mobilized through the National Agency for Holiday Vouchers (ANCV) to support low-income households.
This program aims to assist 300,000 families, with a priority focus on single-parent households with young children. The initiative should enable nearly a million people to take a trip this summer, thanks to targeting managed directly at the local level.
Inflation under control and tensions on fuels
On the front of purchasing power and daily spending for vacationers, the rise in food prices remains contained at 0.6%, with overall inflation standing at 1.8% over the past year.
Supplies and pricing of fruits and vegetables remain stable despite heat episodes, while there are modest increases in meat and seafood products.
Regarding the recent rise in pump fuel prices, linked to geopolitical uncertainties in the Ormuz Strait, the government extends its targeted aids until the back-to-school period for the affected sectors.
The minister also calls on large retailers and oil groups to maintain price caps and to renew loss-leader sales during major travel periods.
Supplies and pricing of fruits and vegetables remain stable despite heat episodes, while there are modest increases in meat and seafood products.
Regarding the recent rise in pump fuel prices, linked to geopolitical uncertainties in the Ormuz Strait, the government extends its targeted aids until the back-to-school period for the affected sectors.
The minister also calls on large retailers and oil groups to maintain price caps and to renew loss-leader sales during major travel periods.
