About the Market…

France is the most visited tourism destination in the world. According to WTO figures, France received 75.1 million visitors in 2004, representing some 9.9% of world arrivals, coming second to Spain which received over 20 million less visitors at 53.6 million. In terms of tourism receipts, however, Spain came top with US$45.2 billion compared to US$40.8 billion. These figures are not surprising given the diversity of the French tourism product, offering city breaks, lakes and mountains, country and beach holidays as well as the many activities that can be done within each sector.

Despite its close proximity to the UK, France is actually the second most visited destination for UK holidaymakers after Spain. Over the last few years UK holiday arrivals to France have somewhat stagnated while arrivals to Spain have enjoyed a period of growth, increasing the gap between the two. This report examines trends in holidays to France, as well as consumer attitudes towards the country.

About Mintel’s Research…

Mintel’s new market intelligence report provides the user with a fresh insight into a fascinating tourism market.

Compiling together all the most sought-after tourism trend data and most authoritative, independent market analysis, it offers you a vital way of fully understanding the UK market for holidays to France. It also offers you unique findings from exclusive consumer research, invaluable information that will enable you to tailor your business to real consumer demand. Mintel’s research report has been designed to help you:

Analyse the effect of market factors such as low cost airlines, the exchange rate and an increase in multiple yearly holidays

Look at consumer preferences in terms of types of holidays taken, duration of stay, areas travelled, method of travel and preferred accommodations

Understand the distribution channel of different booking methods and the supply structure

Determine future consumer intentions towards holidaying in France and market opportunities

Examine targeting opportunities and consumer attitudes towards different holidays to France

Gauge market sizes and benchmark future travel trends

Intriguing findings…

In 2004 some 51% of holidaymakers travelled without any assistance from operators or agents, up 4.4 percentage points on 2000, thus showing the increase in independent holidays to France.

Despite France being the second most popular overseas holiday destination for the British, some 39% of respondents have never visited the country, revealing great potential for market growth.

There are several significant increases to be found between 2000 and 2004: the cruise market grew by almost 3 percentage points, the golf market by 1 percentage point and the ski market by almost 2 percentage points.