Sunday, June 9, 2024 The Schengen Zone’s visa-free access for 91 countries boosted tourism in 2023, welcoming 395.9 million visitors. France led with 100 million tourists, showcasing its allure.
The Schengen Zone, encompassing the member countries, allows travelers from 91 countries including the Schengen countries to visit without a visa, significantly boosting regional tourism. In 2023, Schengen countries collectively welcomed over 0.3959 billion international visitors, with a substantial contribution from these visa-exempt nations.
France led the way, attracting a remarkable 10,00,00,000 tourists. This influx highlights the enduring allure and cultural richness of the Schengen countries on the global tourism stage. Among top 10 countries, 7 Schengen countries top the list as the most number of tourist arrivals globally France with over 100 Million tourist is poised to retain its top spot as the world’s most popular destination for international arrivals this year.
Research by WTTC and ForwardKeys shows that arrivals in the first half of 2024 are at 93% of 2019 levels, underscoring France’s leading position. The surge in international arrivals boosts the sector, which at its peak contributed €220 billion to the economy and supported 2.7 million jobs.
Orly Airport saw a 28% increase in passenger capacity, while Charles de Gaulle remains the busiest airport with 18.5 million passengers. France is particularly popular among Spanish and Canadian travelers, with arrivals.
