Published on December 8, 2025
Vietnam has solidified its position as the most popular long-distance travel destination for French tourists in 2025, with reservations for the year-end holiday season increasing by more than 5%. The country’s strong post-pandemic recovery and its distinctive blend of cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and hospitable tourism policies are major factors contributing to this increase in popularity. Vietnam’s varied offerings and reputation for safety and value continue to attract French tourists despite economic uncertainties and growing travel expenses, making it a standout option for those looking for memorable winter vacations.
As the year-end holiday season approaches, French travel agencies are experiencing a significant uptick in bookings, particularly for long-haul destinations. Among the most sought-after spots is Vietnam, which has risen in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, with an impressive surge in holiday bookings for the 2025 Christmas period. Despite global economic uncertainties, late bookings are helping maintain a healthy travel market, showcasing that travel remains a priority for French households.

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Reports indicate a 5.4% increase in bookings for the Christmas season compared to the previous year, signaling a positive shift in consumer behavior. Interestingly, the average holiday expenditure per traveler remains stable at 3,916 EUR (approximately 4,600 USD), emphasizing that, while budgets are more cautious, spending on travel is still viewed as essential. This trend highlights the ongoing importance of travel in French households, especially when it comes to year-end holidays, which are typically a time for families to take long-haul vacations.
Vietnam’s Rising Popularity Among French Holidaymakers

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Vietnam’s tourism industry has seen a remarkable recovery, with the destination becoming a standout choice for French travelers. The country’s scenic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and effective tourism policies have played a significant role in attracting visitors. In addition to its appeal as a winter holiday destination, Vietnam has emerged as a top contender for long-haul travel, competing with other popular destinations.
The Vietnamese government’s robust tourism recovery strategies, coupled with the country’s diverse offerings—from bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to serene natural attractions such as Ha Long Bay—have contributed to its steady rise in popularity. As travelers seek destinations with a unique cultural experience, Vietnam provides an unforgettable combination of history, art, and nature that captivates tourists from all over the world.

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The Broader Winter Travel Trends for Long-Haul Destinations
The winter season for long-haul travel markets has been upbeat overall. Other destinations have also shown significant growth. Mexico, for example, has seen a 10.6% increase in bookings, benefiting from increased route expansions by airlines like Air France. Thailand and the Dominican Republic have experienced moderate growth, with booking increases of 2.4% and 2.2%, respectively.
While these markets continue to perform well, the overall trends point to a more unpredictable landscape for winter 2025. As travelers become more cautious with spending, there has been a notable shift from the traditional September-October booking period to a November rush. This delay in bookings is partly due to the rising costs of airfares, accommodation, and activities, prompting travelers to reassess their choices.
Middle-Distance and Regional Markets
Middle-distance destinations are also seeing encouraging results. Egypt, for instance, has made a strong comeback, with bookings jumping 46.6%. The opening of a major new museum in Cairo has added to Egypt’s appeal, making it one of the top destinations for the winter season. On the other hand, Cape Verde has gained 11.8%, solidifying its position as a favored spot for European travelers.
Morocco and Tunisia have remained stable, showing modest increases in bookings of 2.3% and 4.9%, respectively. However, some agencies have reported a slight decline in demand for Morocco, which has been offset by rising interest in other Mediterranean destinations, such as Italy, Spain, and Jordan.
A Shift in Consumer Behavior
One of the most noticeable trends this year is the unpredictable nature of the travel market. With higher prices and economic uncertainty affecting global travel, many French travelers have waited until November to finalize their holiday plans, rather than booking earlier in the season. This delay in bookings reflects a more cautious approach, as travelers aim to secure the best deals amid fluctuating prices.
Despite these challenges, the French travel market remains optimistic. The director of Protourisme, a leading travel organization, emphasized that travel continues to be the top priority in French household spending. Even as travelers become more selective in their choices, the desire for enriching travel experiences has remained strong.
Looking Beyond the Holidays: Continued Growth Expected
The outlook for travel beyond the Christmas period remains positive, with SETO (the French Union of Tour Operators) forecasting a 7% increase in passenger numbers from November 1 to April 30. This is expected to translate into a 9% rise in total bookings, indicating continued growth for the travel industry.
As travel continues to recover post-pandemic, destinations like Vietnam are expected to remain top choices for French holidaymakers in 2025 and beyond. The country’s combination of natural beauty, cultural offerings, and effective tourism policies make it a standout option for travelers seeking something truly special this winter season.
In 2025, Vietnam dominates French travelers’ holiday plans with over a five percent rise in bookings, driven by its strong post-pandemic recovery, cultural appeal, and growing popularity as a top long-haul destination. Despite economic uncertainties, its unique offerings continue to attract French tourists seeking memorable winter escapes.
In summary, Vietnam has firmly established itself as one of the leading long-haul destinations for French travelers, with growing bookings and increasing interest for the 2025 holiday season. The overall winter travel market has seen positive trends, with a rise in bookings for countries like Mexico, Thailand, and Egypt, while destinations such as Morocco face challenges. Despite economic uncertainties and rising prices, travel remains a priority for French families, ensuring a promising outlook for the travel industry in the coming months.
As the holiday season continues to unfold, it is clear that destinations offering a unique cultural experience, like Vietnam, will continue to attract travelers looking for an unforgettable winter getaway.

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Tags: French tourists 2025, long-haul destinations, Vietnam Travel, Winter Travel

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