Asia is emerging as one of the most sought-after destinations for French tourists in 2026, with Vietnam among the most searched countries.
Viewing Vung Tau (Ho Chi Minh City) from a helicopter - Photo: QUANG DINH
This is the result of a survey conducted in November 2025 with nearly 900 participants, announced by the organizers of the World Travel Fair on March 11, 2026, ahead of the event taking place from March 12 to 15 in Paris.
According to the survey, 98% of residents in the Île-de-France region plan to travel in 2026, with a growing trend towards international destinations. Of those, 73% plan to travel abroad, and nearly 50% said they travel abroad at least twice a year.
In terms of destination choice, Europe remains at the top with 38%, but Asia has risen to second place with 28% - the highest level since the survey was first conducted in 2019.
Among the most searched-for countries are Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, alongside familiar European destinations such as Italy and Spain.
According to the World Travel Fair organizers, these results reflect a growing trend among French tourists to seek out novel destinations rich in cultural and natural experiences. Approximately 28% of survey participants indicated a particular interest in lesser-known or emerging destinations on the international tourism map.
Vietnam is considered one of the outstanding destinations in Asia thanks to its combination of cultural heritage, distinctive cuisine , and rich natural landscapes. At the 2026 World Travel Market, Vietnam, along with many other Asian countries such as Nepal, India, and Thailand, will be showcased as experiential destinations for international tourists.
The survey also revealed a growing popularity of experiential tourism. French tourists expressed a desire to explore local culture, traditional cuisine, and activities connected with nature. Furthermore, many chose to travel during off-peak seasons, such as May, June, or September, to avoid crowds and enjoy a more fulfilling experience.
In terms of travel style, most tourists still prefer self-organized trips, but the trend of participating in package tours is also increasing. Many people start searching for trip information very early, with about 60% planning at least 3 months in advance.