Reduced visitor nights and decreased spending suggest France's dominance in world tourism might be more of a misconception than reality.
In the realm of international tourism, France and Spain are two of the most popular destinations, each offering unique attractions and experiences. However, when it comes to tourism revenue, Spain has taken the lead, generating €126 billion in 2024, nearly double the €71 billion earned by France [1][2][3].
Despite France welcoming 100 million foreign tourists in 2024, making it the most visited country globally [5], Spain's tourism industry has proven to be more lucrative. The key factors contributing to Spain's success include higher spending per tourist, a larger share of national GDP contributed by tourism, and strategic focus on boosting tourism revenues [4].
Foreign tourists in Spain tend to stay longer and spend more than domestic tourists, often surpassing local spending during their visits [4]. This economic impact, combined with tourism contributing a larger share of Spain’s national GDP (13–16%) compared to France’s (9–10%) [4][5], has driven up Spain’s tourism revenue.
Spain’s tourism boom has also led to increased hotel and rental prices, which further boosts revenue, although it has also resulted in pricing out many local visitors [4]. In contrast, France focuses on campsites for shorter, less expensive stays, attracting a larger number of visitors but generating less revenue per visitor [5].
Recognising its underperformance relative to competitors like Spain, France has recently announced plans to boost tourism revenues [3]. The objective in France is now to attract more spending tourists, rather than focusing solely on the quantity of visitors. Developing business tourism is being considered as a potential solution to increase tourism revenues in France [5].
In the global context, no other country currently surpasses Spain in tourism revenue according to the latest available figures. While France remains the leader in visitor numbers, Spain is the clear leader in tourism earnings, making it the world’s top destination for tourism revenue [1][2][3].
Key Comparison Table:
| Country | International Tourist Arrivals (2024) | Tourism Revenue (2024) | Contribution to National GDP (2024/2025) | |---------|----------------------------------------|------------------------|------------------------------------------| | France | 100 million | €71 billion | ~10.1% more than 2019, est. 9.3% of GDP in 2025[5] | | Spain | 94 million | €126 billion | ~13% of GDP in 2024, est. 16% in 2025[4][5] |
As both countries continue to strive for tourism success, the focus on attracting more spending tourists and developing business tourism could potentially narrow the gap between France and Spain's tourism revenues.
Weather preferences may influence a tourist's choice between France and Spain, as France is known for its diverse weather, ranging from the Mediterranean coast to the winter wonderland of the Alps. On the other hand, Spain's consistent Mediterranean climate, coupled with its lucrative financial offerings, could attract more business tourists to Spain.
Considering the emphasis on lifestyle, Spain's higher spending per tourist and larger contribution to the national GDP compared to France, as well as its focus on boosting tourism revenues, makes it an attractive destination for individuals seeking a premium travel experience. Conversely, France's focus on campsites for a more affordable and mass-market approach may appeal to tourists seeking a budget-friendly lifestyle.
