Where will the French travel this year | Greece remains at the top

• Despite international uncertainties and the slowdown in bookings for the summer season, Greece remains among the top destinations for French travelers.

According to the new Baromètre Orchestra/L’Echo data for May 2025, bookings for trips to Greece show a slight decrease of 12.8%, however, maintaining the country among the first choices of the French market, as it is in third place, with Spain and France in second and first respectively.

In contrast, the United States recorded a dramatic drop in bookings, reaching -31.1% on an annual basis for May, a continuation of the corresponding slump that had been observed in April. The more attractive airfares were not able to stop the declining trend in demand. According to analysts of the French tourism market, French travelers appear hesitant towards the political and social climate of the United States, especially in view of the November elections and the public interventions of Donald Trump.

USA: A traditional destination in crisis

The once irresistible long-haul destination for Europeans, the United States, is experiencing an unprecedented decline in demand. Travelers' interest is shifting to other destinations with better value for money or with a milder political footprint. Companies in the tourism industry express concern about the image that is taking shape, speaking of a "crisis of confidence" towards the American experience.

Canada is the winner of the situation – Rapid rise for India

Confronted with the decline of the United States, Canada appears to be the great beneficiary, recording an impressive increase of +28.2% in bookings. India is also experiencing explosive growth of +349.4%, attracting travelers through targeted offers and a significant reduction in average costs by 20%. This momentum is part of the general climate of redefining the choices of Europeans, who are turning to experiences with more cultural depth or exoticism, versus classic, expensive, and saturated markets.

The general trend in travel bookings in May shows a restrained mood of consumers: the total volume (across all types of channels – online and physical agencies) shows a decrease of -1.7% compared to May 2024. It is worth noting that last year, the same month had already recorded a decrease of -6% compared to 2023. The data shows a pattern of slowing tourism demand, amid inflationary pressures, geopolitical instability, and an increasing need for targeted value.

Bookings for the period July 5 – August 31, 2025, have so far recorded a -3% drop, which is causing concern among tour operators, as the bulk of summer bookings traditionally peak in June. There are fears that the season could be "broken" by last-minute bookings and deals, with intense competition among Mediterranean destinations.