Vietnam has emerged as a top destination of interest to French tourists, alongside other major travel destinations such as Japan, Thailand, Italy, and Spain.
International tourists love experiencing local culture when traveling in Vietnam. Photo: An Vy
Vietnam is one of the most sought-after Asian destinations by French tourists, according to Government News, citing a survey published by the organizers of the Global Travel Fair 2026 in France.
The results indicate that the demand for travel among French citizens is projected to remain high in 2026, while also reflecting a notable shift in destination preferences.
A survey conducted in November 2025 with nearly 900 participants in the Île-de-France region revealed that 98% of respondents planned to travel in 2026. Of those, 73% intended to travel abroad, and almost half said they would take international trips at least twice a year.
In terms of regional choice, Europe remains the top priority, with 38% of travelers choosing destinations within the region due to its proximity and well-developed transport system.
However, Asia is becoming increasingly popular, accounting for 28% of travel choices – the highest level since the survey was first launched in 2019.
Among the most searched-for destinations, Asian countries such as Vietnam, Japan, and Thailand appear alongside European tourist hubs like Italy and Spain.
This trend shows that French tourists are increasingly expanding their options and are willing to travel further 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, more and more are seeking out new places with distinctive cultural identities and impressive natural landscapes.
Approximately 28% of survey participants indicated a particular interest in lesser-known or emerging destinations on the world tourism map. This opens up new opportunities for many Asian countries, including Vietnam, to attract the attention of European tourists.
Vietnam is considered one of the region's outstanding destinations thanks to its combination of rich cultural heritage, distinctive cuisine , and diverse natural landscapes.
These advantages are increasingly aligned with the experiential tourism trend that is becoming popular among French tourists.
At the Global Travel Fair 2026, held from March 12 to 15 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris, Vietnam, along with other Asian destinations such as Nepal, India, and Thailand, is being promoted as experience-rich destinations for international tourists.
The survey also highlighted the growing importance of experiential tourism. French tourists are increasingly seeking opportunities to immerse themselves in local culture, enjoy traditional cuisine, and participate in nature-based activities, rather than simply visiting famous landmarks.
Regarding travel plans, most tourists still prefer to organize their trips independently. However, package tours are gradually attracting more attention, especially for long-distance trips or to distant destinations.
Approximately 60% of survey participants said they begin researching and planning their trip at least three months before departure.