Tertiarty Economic Activity

Historical development

Tourism in the Paris region, also known as Île-de-France, has a long history that can be traced back to the 19th century.

During this period, the city established its reputation as a premier destination for both domestic French travelers and international visitors

Tertiary economic importance

Today, tourism is classified as a vital tertiary economic activity for the Paris region.

Its growth and sustainability are supported by consistent government and private investment in tourist infrastructure

Volume of visitors

attracts a massive global audience, receiving approximately 38 million tourists each year.

This high volume of visitors cements Paris's status as one of the world's leading travel destinations.

Employment Impact

The industry is a major driver of the local labor market, with 7% of the workforce in Paris employed in the tourist industry.

This provides thousands of jobs in sectors ranging from hospitality and catering to museum management and transport

Market composition

The tourist market has 58% domestic visitors and 42% international visitors.

This balance helps protect the industry from global economic fluctuations by maintaining a strong base of local French travelers

Key international markets

The top three source countries for international tourists are the USA (1.8 million), the UK (1.2 million), and China (746,000).

These markets are essential for the high-spending luxury and cultural sectors of the Parisian economy

Air transport infrastructures

Paris is served by three international airports, including Charles De Gaulle and Orly for major international carriers.

Additionally, the Beauvais-Tillé airport caters specifically to European budget airlines, making the region accessible to low-cost travelers

International Rail connectivity

he Eurostar Railway links Paris directly to major European capitals such as London, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

This high-speed connection via the Channel Tunnel makes the city easily accessible for short-term city breaks from neighboring countries

National Transport hub

Paris acts as the primary hub for the French motorway network, with most major "autoroutes" radiating out from the city.

This radial infrastructure makes it the most accessible point in France for domestic tourists traveling by car or bus

Urban Transit and TGV

The city’s accessibility is further enhanced by an extensive Metro system and high-speed SNCF-TGV rail links.

These systems allow tourists to navigate the city efficiently and provide fast transit to other regions of France

Iconic cultural landmarks

The city boasts world-famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, which attracts over 9 million visitors annually.

Other major sites like the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde serve as significant "pull factors" for global sightseeing

Religious and Historic sites

Religious tourism is a major draw, with sites like Notre Dame and Reims Cathedral attracting 13 million visitors a year.

These locations highlight the deep architectural and religious history of the Paris Basin

Museums and Art

Paris is home to world-class galleries, most notably the Louvre Museum, which houses the Mona Lisa.

Cultural institutions like the Palace of Versailles attract millions who are interested in the region's royal and artistic heritage

Fashion and Retail tourism

As a global fashion capital, Paris attracts tourists to luxury shopping districts like the Champs-Élysées.

High-end boutiques such as Louis Vuitton and Ferrari, alongside flagship retail stores, make shopping a primary activity for many visitors

Entertainment and Regional attractions

The region offers diverse entertainment through theme parks like Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix.

Additionally, its proximity to historical sites like the Normandy beaches allows tourists to use Paris as a base for exploring French military history