Viet Nam emerges among most-searched Asian destinations for French tourists

The findings suggest that travel demand among French residents is expected to remain strong in 2026, while also highlighting a noticeable shift in destination preferences.

The survey, conducted in November 2025 with nearly 900 participants in the Île-de-France region, shows that as many as 98 percent of respondents plan to travel in 2026. Among them, 73 percent intend to travel abroad, and nearly half say they take international trips at least twice a year.

In terms of regional preferences, Europe remains the top choice, with 38 percent of travelers favoring destinations within the continent due to its proximity and well-developed transport networks.

However, Asia is gaining increasing popularity, accounting for 28 percent of travel preferences—the highest level recorded since the survey was first launched in 2019.

Among the most-searched destinations, Asian countries such as Japan, Viet Nam and Thailand appear alongside established European tourism hubs including Italy and Spain.

The trend suggests that French travelers are increasingly broadening their horizons and are more willing to travel longer distances in search of new experiences.

According to the organizers of the Global Travel Fair, the survey reflects a shift in the travel mindset of French tourists. Instead of focusing solely on familiar destinations, a growing number are exploring new locations that offer distinctive cultural identities and striking natural landscapes.

About 28 percent of respondents said they are particularly interested in lesser-known or emerging destinations on the global tourism map. This presents new opportunities for many Asian countries, including Viet Nam, to capture the interest of European travelers.

Viet Nam is widely regarded as one of the region's standout destinations thanks to its blend of rich cultural heritage, unique cuisine and diverse natural scenery.

These strengths are increasingly aligned with the experiential travel trends gaining popularity among French tourists.

At the Global Travel Fair 2026, held from March 12 to 15 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris, Viet Nam, together with other Asian destinations such as Nepal, India and Thailand, is being promoted as an experience-rich destination for international visitors.

The survey also highlights the growing importance of experiential travel. French travelers increasingly seek opportunities to immerse themselves in local culture, enjoy traditional cuisine and take part in nature-based activities rather than simply visiting famous landmarks.

In terms of travel planning, most travelers still prefer to organize their trips independently. However, package tours are gradually attracting more interest, particularly for long-haul journeys or trips to distant destinations.

Around 60 percent of respondents said they begin researching and planning their trips at least three months before departure.

Overall, the survey results indicate that the global tourism landscape in 2026 is presenting new opportunities. With growing interest from the European market, Viet Nam is well positioned to strengthen its promotional efforts and attract more international visitors looking for culturally rich and nature-oriented travel experiences./.