Despite a very unstable climate and ongoing concerns related to purchasing power, the 2023 tourist season in France has been described as a success by the Minister of Tourism, Olivia Grégoire. The outdoor hospitality industry (HPA) could outperform expectations in 2022.
On August 29, Olivia Grégoire, Head of Tourism, presented a first assessment of tourist activity during the summer, declaring: “We had an excellent tourist season in line with 2022.” This affirmation has been accompanied by a net return of international customers, and projections suggest that 2023 will surpass 2022’s tourism revenues, which had been €58 billion. Initial estimates indicate that international revenues linked to tourism could reach between 64 and 67 billion euros.
Regarding outdoor accommodation, the minister reported an increase in attendance of 2% compared to the previous year, but according to the National Federation of Outdoor Hotels (FNHPA), this increase could prove even more significant after the end of the season. According to the most recent data from the Observation France Tourisme of 25 August, attendance at campsites is actually increasing by 5%. This increase is encouraging, especially considering that the low season looks promising, with HPA bookings increasing by 26%. It is possible that the outdoor hospitality sector will exceed 136 million recorded room nights in 2022, thus setting a new record. It is interesting to note that, while the French clientele seems to be decreasing in the country’s campsites (-2%), the international clientele is increasing (+19%).
A more detailed view of the FNHPA/ADN Tourisme/Atout France Observatory data reveals:
- Brittany, despite a promising start with an advantage of +9%, suffered a decline that brought it to +1%. This could be attributed to Storm Patricia and sudden rains in late July.
- Occitania has stability at +0%, showing a good recovery compared to the uncertain trend recorded at the beginning of the season.
- New Aquitaine recorded strong growth, going from -1% to +13%.
- The PACA region has recovered significantly, going from an initial -12% to a current -2%.
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes saw a slight delay compared to 2022, but less serious than expected (-4%).
- Ardèche recorded positive stability with +2%.
- Charente-Maritime saw an increase of up to +5%.
- The Pays de la Loire region recorded stable growth, but lower than initial expectations.
- Vendée saw a recovery after an initial decline, returning to +16%.
- Normandy recorded an increase, reaching almost the same advantage as the national average (+4%).
Despite the challenges brought by climate change and the economic concerns of visitors, France has once again proven itself to be a sought-after tourist destination, with the outdoor hospitality sector playing a key role in the overall success of the 2023 summer season.
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