The Digital Revolution (2000-2020)

The internet transformed how people discover, book, and experience French tourism.

Online Transformation

• Booking platforms challenged traditional travel agencies
• Review sites like TripAdvisor changed quality expectations
• Social media created new marketing channels and influenced destination choices
• Sharing economy platforms like Airbnb disrupted accommodation sectors

Low-Cost Aviation

Budget airlines made short breaks possible, changing tourism patterns:

• Weekend city breaks became common
• Regional airports gained international connections
• Traditional seasonality patterns shifted

Experience Economy

Tourists increasingly sought unique, authentic experiences:

• Cooking classes and wine tours proliferated
• Local guide platforms connected visitors with residents
• Experiential tourism emphasized doing over seeing