Tourism and sustainable development in France

The various regions of France harbour a wide variety of riches, and it is these very regions that have helped make our country the most popular destination in the world for international tourists, placing it 3rd in the world in terms of revenue from international tourism. Tourism plays a significant economic role, accounting for 7.3% of the GDP, and is the principal surplus item of the balance of payments. Over 270,000 companies were operating in the sector in 2011, with a paid workforce representing the equivalent of over a million full-time positions.