Fewer French Tourists: A Risky Summer Ahead for Tunisia and Morocco

The upcoming summer tourist season presents a challenging outlook for North African destinations like Tunisia and Morocco, as a new study suggests a notable decrease in French holidaymakers. Alliance France Tourisme, in collaboration with Ifop, has released findings indicating that French citizens are planning fewer trips and intend to spend less money abroad this summer. This trend is attributed to a combination of persistent inflation, rising living costs, and ongoing international geopolitical tensions, all of which are impacting purchasing power and increasing travel uncertainty.

The study highlights a significant shift in travel intentions. While 68% of French people still plan to take at least a week-long vacation, this figure represents a 9-point decrease from the previous year. More concerning for the tourism sector is that only 37% of respondents are certain about their travel plans, a stark drop from 50% last year. This heightened uncertainty is largely driven by economic constraints, with the average holiday budget estimated at €1,530, a reduction of about €150 compared to 2025. Consequently, over six in ten French people anticipate cutting back on their holiday spending, either by shortening their stays or limiting activities.

This anticipated downturn poses a direct threat to the economies of Tunisia and Morocco, both of which are highly dependent on French tourism. Morocco, in particular, is the leading tourist market for French citizens outside of Europe, while Tunisia remains a crucial Mediterranean destination. A reduction in both the number of French visitors and their per-capita spending could significantly impact foreign currency earnings and employment in these countries' vital tourism sectors. The rising cost of energy and transportation, especially air travel, further exacerbates the situation, making closer, more budget-friendly destinations increasingly attractive to French travelers. This shift towards proximity and cost-consciousness could reshape the tourism landscape for these North African nations.