In September 2026, departures continued to trend downward. The number of bookings fell by 5.5% compared to September 2025. However, the decline is less pronounced than in August, when it reached 9%.
The business volume associated with departures decreased by 4.1%, while the average basket rose by 1.5%, to €1,853. This increase is therefore not enough to offset the drop in the number of bookings. The Observatory therefore concludes that September activity remains subdued and does not yet indicate a change in trend.
The trends vary by region. Long-haul travel is the most penalized, with a 14.6% drop in bookings. Mid-haul fares better, with a decline limited to 2.8%. France, for its part, shows a 9.1% drop in bookings.
Departures remain below September 2025: business volume -4.1%, bookings -5.5%, average basket up +1.5% to €1,853. The drop in bookings is less pronounced than in August (-9%).
Mid-haul
Long-haul
Business volume advances (+3.3%) despite a slight drop in bookings (-1.7%), driven by a rise in the average basket (+5.1% to €2,004). The average lead time between booking and departure reaches 74 days, up 6% year over year. The mid-haul segment is the only zone posting growth in bookings (+7.1%).
Mid-haul
Long-haul
As of the end of September, reservations for departures between October 17 and November 2, 2026 remain below 2025: business volume -4.7%, bookings -2.6%, average basket -2.1% at €2,238. Long-haul shows the steepest decline (-19.0% in bookings); mid-haul is the only zone in growth (+2.8%).
Mid-haul
Long-haul
Departures & reservations in September: 01/09 – 29/09/2026 · All Saints’ Day: reservations 01/01 – 29/09/2026, departures 17/10 – 02/11/2026.
Data drawn from travel agencies using the Orchestra platform (20+ brands, 2 years minimum).
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EDV Méditerranée: Turning Constraints into Solutions
About sixty professionals: travel operators, inbound operators, partners and suppliers, members or non-members of the association, attended, exactly 25 years to the day after the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon.
A date chosen by Christine Crispin, president of EDV Méditerranée, which is no accident: “It was a horrific event that everyone can still recall where they were when the twin towers fell. It shook the world and, for us, tourism professionals, it marked a real turning point. There is clearly a before and after September 11.”
Airport procedures, in particular, have profoundly changed since, with checks and formalities multiplying.
But September 11 was only the first in a long series of crises the sector has faced: tsunamis, avian flu, the Icelandic eruption, SARS, Covid, and, more recently, the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Christine Crispin, the verdict is nevertheless clear: tourism has always managed to rebound.
“Each time, tourism recovers, tourism becomes stronger, tourism transforms,” she emphasizes. New destinations, new seasons, new behaviors: in her view, adaptability is one of the sector’s main strengths.
This capacity to weather crises fits within a broader economic and political context. Invited to look at the French situation, Franz-Olivier Giesbert, journalist and columnist, notably criticized the trajectory of public finances. “It’s been eight years that we’ve been 100% in deficit, in a budget deficit, and it will continue…,” he remarks. For the columnist, the challenge also lies in the ability to make decisions and to implement changes: “One needs a bit of will, a bit of courage.”
“Our job is to know how to turn constraints into solutions”
« Our job is to know how to turn constraints into solutions. We are here to find solutions, from morning to night and all night», résume Christine Crispin.
Un rôle qui prend d’autant plus d’importance que les responsabilités juridiques des professionnels sont importantes. Emmanuelle Llop, du cabinet Equinoxe a notamment rappelé, lors de cette journée que : « The travel agent’s activity rests primarily on contractual responsibility. When they sell a trip composed of several services: transport, accommodation, car rental or other services, they are responsible for their proper execution, in accordance with what was planned and sold in the contract. »
Les crises géopolitiques, les catastrophes naturelles ou encore les événements climatiques peuvent également remettre en cause la réalisation d’un voyage. Emmanuelle Llop a rappelé, lors de son intervention, que les circonstances exceptionnelles et inévitables à destination peuvent avoir des conséquences importantes sur l’exécution du contrat de voyage, notamment lorsqu’un déplacement devient impossible.
Elle a également insisté sur la difficulté d’apprécier ces situations suffisamment en amont. Une situation susceptible d’évoluer dans les semaines précédant un départ ne permet pas nécessairement de conclure, plusieurs mois auparavant, que le voyage ne pourra pas avoir lieu.
Pour les agences, l’enjeu consiste donc à anticiper sans surinterpréter, tout en disposant d’informations suffisamment fiables pour conseiller leurs clients.
Agencies, inbound operators, carriers and airports: a single chain
« Nous faisons absolument tous partie de la même chaîne : agence de voyage, transporteur, aéroport, tour-opérateur, voyagiste », insiste-t-elle.
La présidente des Entreprises Méditerranée rappelle que les flux touristiques fonctionnent dans les deux sens : une liaison internationale permet à des voyageurs étrangers de venir découvrir une région, mais elle offre également aux habitants du territoire la possibilité de partir vers cette destination.
Lors de cette même journée, Céline Lacroix, responsable du développement commercial aéronautique de l’Aéroport Marseille Provence, a de son côté expliqué que l’ouverture d’une nouvelle liaison repose sur l’analyse de la demande, du potentiel de marché et de la stratégie des compagnies : « La première chose à regarder, c’est la demande, et elle doit être envisagée dans les deux sens. Une liaison aérienne ne sert pas uniquement à faire partir des voyageurs français : elle doit aussi permettre d’attirer des visiteurs internationaux.
Ces voyageurs séjournent dans nos hôtels, visitent Marseille et parcourent la Provence. C’est donc un véritable moteur pour l’économie locale. Il faut ensuite analyser le potentiel du marché, en croisant l’offre et la demande, pour mesurer les possibilités de développement et justifier les investissements.
»Après l’annonce par United d’une ligne directe Marseille – New York à l’été 2027 l’aéroport Marseille – Provence renforce encore sa connectivité avec le lancement par Egyptair d’une nouvelle liaison entre Marseille et Le Caire (4 vols par semaine à l’été 2027). Céline Lacroix a également ajouté que la plateforme étudiait également le développement de liaisons vers les pays nordiques et à plus long terme vers des marchés comme l’Inde.
Marseille – Provence: new international connections on the horizon
Karima Zerkani-Raynal, adjointe au maire d’Aix-en-Provence en charge de l’attractivité et du tourisme va dans le même sens : « Cela nous permettrait aussi de faciliter les flux depuis l’Australie, qui est une clientèle à haute contribution. »
Au-delà de la connectivité, l’enjeu pour le territoire reste de désaisonnaliser l’activité touristique. Les acteurs du territoire souhaitent faire de Marseille, d’Aix et de la Provence une destination capable d’attirer des visiteurs toute l’année.
« Notre but, c’est de donner envie que vous veniez, leur permettre de venir et d’accéder à notre territoire, leur donner envie de rester, rester plus longtemps, et surtout leur donner envie de revenir à d’autres saisons », résume Julien Harounyan.
« Notre force, justement, c’est le collectif », conclut-elle, tendant une main aux opérateurs et professionnels qui souhaiteraient adhérer au syndicat professionnel.
EDV Mediterranean Convention in Shanghai: Last Remaining Spots
For its 2026 convention, the regional delegation chaired by Christine Crispin will take tourism professionals to Shanghai, from December 8 to 13, 2026, with a major asset: a direct flight from Marseille, operated by Shanghai Airlines.
“A longer and more comprehensive version from December 8 to 18 will allow those who wish to discover the essence of China, still at an exceptional price” adds the president of EDV Méditerranée.
Dubbed « Dive into the World of Tomorrow Together », this convention aims to combine professional exchanges, the discovery of a metropolis in full transformation, and cultural immersion.
The program includes, in particular, working meetings, visits to Shanghai’s main districts, a discovery of Tongli village, as well as a closing dinner before the return to Marseille, also ensured by a direct flight.
The convention is open to all travel agencies, not only those affiliated with EDV Méditerranée. Note: last places available – registrations until August 31.
Sightseeing in Shanghai, and the option to extend to Beijing
Professionals wishing to extend their trip can opt for a five-day extension that will take them to Xi’an and Beijing. On the program: the Terracotta Army, the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the hutongs, and the Temple of Heaven.
Departures will be from Marseille, with the possibility for professionals joining the group from another destination to participate without the international flights.
EDV Barometer: Orchestra Reservations Rebound in August, but Summer 2026 Remains Lagging
According to the new Observatory of French Holidays EDV-Orchestra, departures recorded from August 1 to 26 show a 9.3% drop in the number of bookings and a 7% decline in business volume compared with August 2025. The rise in the average basket, from 2.6% to €2,287, only softens the decline.
However, the data reveal a positive signal: bookings made in August are rising again.
In August 2026, the number of bookings grows by 2.9% year on year while the business volume leaps by 7.6%. The average basket reaches €1,697, up 4.6%.
The average booking lead time indeed stands at 55 days, i.e., two days longer than in 2025. More importantly, the share of bookings made less than 30 days before departure drops to 46.2%, compared with 49.7% a year earlier. Conversely, bookings made more than 90 days in advance rise slightly, to 18.9% versus 18% in 2025.
The recovery in sales thus does not signal a mass shift to last-minute bookings, but rather a slight reintroduction of forward planning in booking behaviors, explains the barometer.
The infographic: numbers at a glance
Confirmed slowdown compared to August 2025: business volume -7.0%, bookings -9.3%, average basket up (+2.6%) to €2,287. The rise in the basket does not offset the decline in volumes; the summer season remains downward oriented. Long-haul remains the most affected segment (-16.1% in bookings).
Medium-haul
Long-haul
Recovery in the trend after several months of decline: the business volume returns to positive (+7.6%), supported by a rise in bookings (+2.9%) and in the average basket (+4.6% to €1,697). The average booking lead time is 55 days, two days longer than in 2025.
Medium-haul
Long-haul
To date, reservations for September 2026 departures remain below 2025: business volume -5.4%, bookings -5.8%, average basket almost stable (+0.4% at €1,959). Long-haul concentrates the sharpest decline (-16.6% in bookings).
Medium-haul
Long-haul
Departures & reservations August: 01/08 – 26/08/2026 · September: reservations 01/01 – 26/08/2026, departures 01/09 – 30/09/2026.
Data from travel agencies using the Orchestra platform (20+ brands, at least 2 years).
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EDV Convention in Benin: This Trip Will Truly Be Exceptional
October will kick off the regional congresses of Travel Companies. It will begin in the Southwest, from October 2 to 5, to conclude with the event organized by Lionel Rabiet, from November 12 to 16, 2026… in Benin.
A choice that aligns with the desire of the Île-de-France branch of Travel Companies to showcase destinations still relatively unknown to the general public.
“Besides being a destination that very few people know about, it is an incredibly welcoming country.
Regarding the convention, everything will be easy. The hotel is five minutes from the airport, the places we will visit are not far, and it’s fabulous.
It’s Black Africa, a country with a rich culture“, we are told by Lionel Rabiet.
Voodoo, Lake City, and Nature… Benin’s Strengths
“One must know that Benin has truly been a hub of the slave trade, part of its painful history. We will visit places connected to this past.
We will also discover voodoo, this religion which is an animist cult based on reverence for the forces of nature and for ancestors. It should be noted that Benin is its cradle.
Then the country offers unique natural scenery.
Right beside, by the way, the capital city Cotonou, where we will stay, there exists the largest lakeside city in Africa (Ganvié, ed.) and surely in the world, which we will visit.
In addition, there are very few tourists. I calculated that in a single day, in France, we welcome more travelers than Benin does in a year“, the president reveals.
It must be said that the country has only recently begun opening up to tourism.
As we revealed to you in a previous article, under the leadership of President Patrice Talon, who has been in office since 2017, significant investments have been made to move the number of international visitors from 300,000–400,000 today to nearly 2 million per year by 2030.
AI, Creativity and Corporate Restructuring… discover the program
General tour operators won’t open up before 2026, with the opening of Club Med“, we were told by Claude Blanc, commercial manager of Benin’s Office of Tourism.
The opening of the future resort of the brand with the trident should rather take place next year.
The convention, for its part, will take place at the Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa. Located in Cotonou, the 174-room and 19-suite property opened in September 2024. It was, at the time, the country’s first five-star hotel.
“During the few days we will be together, we will address two themes with people who think outside the box. The first concerns AI. The aim is to ensure that this tool enhances us, increases our capabilities, and does not lobotomize us.
Nicolas François will speak on the second AI revolution, through the creation of tools and programming.
Another person will be present to question creativity and AI. We use AI at every turn for any creation, and I think that’s dangerous, because we lose our voice and our identity. There will be a surprise in this regard.
The second theme will be corporate restructuring. We are living through a challenging period, and it is during these times that difficult decisions must be made and restructurings undertaken. Jacques Masson, who has served as a transition manager in many companies, will discuss how to restructure, rethink a business, and cut costs…
Then, beyond these moments of reflection, from a destination discovery perspective, this trip is going to be truly exceptional“, we explain by Lionel Rabiet.
There are still a few places left to participate in the convention.
EDV Barometer: Orchestra – Reservations Fall 18% in May as Summer Slowdown Widens
French Vacation Observatory — June 2026
The Travel Agencies of France — Orchestra / Travelsoft
June 2026
The summer of 2026 looks set to be challenging for travel distributors. The latest edition of the French Travel Companies Observatory (EdV) and Orchestra confirms a clear slowdown in bookings. May departures still temper the overall drop.
Regarding departures through the end of May, the number of files is down 1.7% compared with the same period in 2025, while the business volume falls by 1.3%. The average basket edges up slightly by 0.4% to reach €1,555. It is worth noting that a significant portion of May travel had already been booked before the worsening situation in the Middle East.
France itself even records a 6.4% increase in business volume, while the medium-haul segment remains broadly stable. By contrast, the long-haul sector remains under pressure, with the number of files down 11.5% and turnover down by nearly 10%.
Destinations in the United States (-34.3%), Mexico (-22.7%), and Cape Verde (-12.6%) are among the hardest hit. Conversely, Albania (+342.6%), the Dominican Republic (+14%), and Croatia (+12.6%) continue to grow.
Summary:
– Bookings plunge in May
– An ever more retreating summer
Observatory — June 2026
Departures in May 2026
Market activity shows a slight dip: files down 2%, business volume down 1%, and the average basket nearly steady at €1,555. It should be noted that a significant share of May departures had already been booked prior to the deterioration in the Middle East situation.
Key indicators for departures through the end of May:
– Business volume: -1.3%
– Number of files: -1.7%
– Average basket: +0.4% (€1,555)
Geographic zones — departures May 2026 vs 2025
Top 20 destinations — departures May (number of dossiers vs 2025)
Note: A geographic breakdown and the list of top destinations are shown to illustrate regional and market concentration, with France and major outbound corridors highlighted.
Section 2 — May 2026 Reservations
Reservations in May 2026 show a sharp retreat: business volume down 21%, number of files down 18%, and the average basket down 4% to €1,632. The average lead time also contracts to 63 days, down 4 days versus 2025, signaling that bookings are being made increasingly closer to departure amid geopolitical uncertainties.
Key indicators for reservations in May 2026:
– Business volume: -21.3%
– Number of files: -17.9%
– Average basket: -4.3% (€1,632)
Lead time to departure: 63 days (-4 days vs 2025)
Geographic zones — reservations May 2026 vs 2025
Top 20 destinations — reservations May (number of dossiers vs 2025)
Geographic patterns and popular destinations for May reservations are presented, illustrating shifts in demand by region and corridor.
Section 3 — Summer Holidays 2026
Summer 2026 (July–August) reservations are down by 10.5% compared with 2025, both in terms of dossiers and business volume. The average basket remains stable at €2,710. All zones show declines, with long-haul the most affected, posting a 20% drop in dossiers.
Key indicators for Summer 2026:
– Business volume: -10.5%
– Number of dossiers: -10.5%
– Average basket: +0.0% (€2,710)
Geographic zones — reservations summer 2026 vs 2025
Typologies of travelers — Summer 2026
A snapshot of traveler types for the summer shows the following profiles:
– Solos: 3.1% of dossiers; -15.7% in dossiers; €1,700 on average
– Duos: 34.3% of dossiers; -11.8% in dossiers; €2,302 on average
– Families: 48.0% of dossiers; -10.1% in dossiers; €2,753 on average
– Groups: 14.5% of dossiers; -7.6% in dossiers; €3,748 on average
Categories of stays — Summer 2026
The distribution of stays by category for the summer shows:
– Packages: -9.8%; Basket up 1.2% to €2,772
– Accommodations: -11.8%; Basket up 0.1% to €1,141
– Circuits: -15.9%; Basket down 3.9% to €5,823
Top 10 destination cities — Summer 2026
Top 10 destination cities for the summer of 2026 are presented, illustrating the geographic spread of demand across leading urban and resort destinations.
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Source: Observatoire des Vacances des Français — The Travel Companies of France (Les Entreprises du Voyage) · Orchestra / Travelsoft — June 2026
Data drawn from travel agencies using the Orchestra platform (20+ brands, minimum of 2 years).
