Even though most French prefer to travel domestically, a growing number are willing to explore further afield. Year-on-year growth within this market in recent years has been stronger than that of other major outbound sectors such as Germany and Italy, as more and more French embark on journeys beyond Europe.

Asia is the fastest-growing region for this sector, with China, Thailand and Vietnam being the main points of interest. Unlike other European outbound sectors, Asia’s appeal for the French does not lie in its beaches, but in its cities and countryside. The French are more interested in culture and history than any other Europeans, and because of their generous leave entitlement, spend more time in Asia than most, averaging 13.6 days in 2006. Nonetheless, Europe still receives the largest proportion of French tourists, with Spain, followed by Italy, being the top two destinations. Trips to former North African colonies such as Morocco and Algeria are also on the rise. Tunisia continues to hold its ground as a popular destination for the French.

The French are grossly independent travellers, with most relying on making bookings themselves rather than tour operators or travel agents. Seemingly, they desire a degree of uniqueness when it comes to travel experiences abroad. Online travel bookings have taken off in a big way in France in the last few years, buoyed by the strong need for tailored holidays. At the same time, the French can be classed as opportunists: they tend to make last-minute bookings and are inclined to scour the Internet for information on the best deals. They demand value for money and are sticklers for quality. Destinations that offer a mix of activities appeal to them the most, while constraints such as visa and vaccination requirements tend to put them off.

A typical French outbound traveller is middle-aged and well off. Currently, those aged 55-64 years are the most lucrative segment for destinations to target, given that they have both the financial means and the time to travel.

However, the propensity to travel abroad among the French is generally low – standing at around 40% versus the Germans at 90%. There is certainly potential for growth, although owing to an anaemic French economy and declining consumer confidence, growth in the market is expected to falter in the next three years.

Travel & Tourism Analyst is a bimonthly newsletter providing an examination of the travel industry, sector by sector. Each issue includes five objective and detailed studies on sectors and issues of interest and importance, across the international tourism industry.

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