(TAN): France’s Travel & Tourism sector could gain more than 60,000 jobs this year compared to 2019, reaching 2.8 million and surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 2.3%, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has said.
Latest research from the global tourism body shows that if France, with more than three quarters of its population already fully vaccinated, continues to ease restrictions throughout the year, the sector’s contribution to the economy could reach EUR 182 billion (USD 205.08 billion) in 2022, just 13.5% behind pre-pandemic levels.
In terms of employment, the outlook could be even more positive. The sector could recover the jobs lost during 2020 to reach nearly 2.8 million employed in the sector this year – 2.3% above 2019 levels.
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Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “It’s fantastic to see such a strong recovery for a country that has prioritised its travel & tourism sector.”
WTTC’s research shows the forecast for Europe could be equally positive, with the region’s Travel & Tourism sector also approaching pre-pandemic levels this year.
According to the research, the sector’s contribution to the region’s economy could reach nearly EUR 1.7 trillion, only 12% below pre-pandemic levels, while employment could reach more than 38 million jobs, just 0.4% behind 2019 figures.
