We are delighted that travel is starting to bounce back after what has been a challenging 18 months for the industry. What's new in France for 2022? We are really looking forward to the coming year across the Channel, with an exciting range of cultural venues and exhibitions, tourism initiatives, anniversaries, food and shopping, festivals and sporting events, and hotel openings will set the tone for France in the coming 2022 year – and demonstrate that France is back!

All information contained here is correct at the time of publication, but we do recommend that you check with the individual destinations or venues for the latest updates going forward, as dates may remain subject to change and events may still need to be cancelled or postponed in line with the health situation in France.

2022 NEWS AT A GLANCE

Read and download full press release here.

• 18 Dec 2021-27 March 2022 - Ski train returns to connect London with the Alps
• 2022 - Maison LVMH Arts opens in Paris (date to be confirmed)
• 2022 - Villeurbanne named French Capital of Culture
• 2022 - Grenoble named European Green Capital
• 2022 - Bordeaux named European Capital of Smart Tourism
• 2022 - Rivières de L'Ouest, a new river destination brand in Pays de la Loire
• 2022 - 10th anniversary of the Louvre Lens
• 2022 - 80th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid
• 2022 - 50th anniversary of ski resort Isola 2000
• 2022 - Food Society opens in Paris
• 2022 - Hotel Como Le Montrachet opens in Burgundy
• 2022 - Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel opens in Nice
• 2022 - Hotel Maison Delano opens in Paris
• From 6 March - 30th anniversary of Disneyland Paris
• 16-20 March - Skiing World Cup Finals, Courchevel and Méribel
• 16 March-31 July - Romy Schneider exhibition at the Cinémathèque Française, Paris
• 19-26 March - Tomorrowland Winter Festival, Alpe d'Huez
• 22 April - The Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin opens in Dijon
• Spring - The Cité de Vitrail opens in Troyes
• Spring - IHG's Holiday Inn Express Ajaccio opens in Ajaccio, Corsica
• May - Six Senses Resort Loire Valley opens in Centre-Val de Loire
• June - The Grotte Cosquer replica opens at La Villa Méditerrannée, Marseille
• 23-26 June - French Road Cycling Championships in Cholet, Pays de la Loire
• 30 June-3 July - Le Mans Classic returns to Le Mans
• Mid-2022 - IHG's Staybridge Suites Cannes Centre opens in Cannes

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TOURISM FIGURES

While the general impact of Covid-19 on travel to France has remained significant in 2021, new research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals that France's travel and tourism sector can expect to have achieved a year-on-year growth of 34.9%, representing an increase of €38 billion compared with 2020. Visitor numbers are expected to have reached between 40 and 45 million in 2021. The data also reveals that France could see a year-on-year growth of 21.8% in 2022, contributing a further €32 billion boost to the economy.

In line with the pandemic's impact on the transport sector, the capacity and frequency of flights to France has remained reduced in 2021. Air capacity from the UK to France dropped by more than 70% in 2021 compared with 2019 (data as of 1 November 2021). However, at the time of writing there are still flights operating to 29 destinations in France from 14 airports across the UK. Based on positive current trends, we expect to see an improvement on the capacity figures in 2022 and achieve a steadier climb back towards 2019 levels. Furthermore, France remains easily accessible both by train and by car or passenger ferry.

Sources: WTTC, Insee, OAG

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COVID-19 REGULATIONS IN FRANCE

For everyone aged 12 and over, it is compulsory to show a pass sanitaire (health pass) in order to access public venues including theatres, amusement parks, concert halls, festival grounds, cinemas, museums, cafés, restaurants, hospitals, medical and social establishments (except in emergencies). The pass also applies to long-distance travel by inter-regional public transport (air, rail and bus). The acceptable criteria are either full vaccination, a negative PCR test result of less than 72 hours old, or proof of recovery from Covid-19 infection.

The NHS Covid Pass is now accepted as an equivalent to the EU Digital Covid Certificate, so there is no need to download France's own TousAntiCovid app. However, please be aware that PDF versions of the NHS Covid Pass downloaded before 1 November 2021 are not valid for travel.

In places where a health pass is required, wearing a mask is no longer compulsory, but organisers and the local prefect reserve the right to enforce it if necessary. Wearing a mask remains compulsory on public transport and in taxis. A fine of €135 will be charged for non-compliance, rising to €3,750 in the event of a repeat offence.

• French Government guidance on Covid-19
• For all travel and quarantine regulations to and from France

Please note that we expect to receive detailed information on the ski season's health protocols in due course.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Marine Teste, Head of PR at Atout France UK & Ireland

Marine.teste@atout-france.fr   
www.uk.france.fr 

About Atout France

Atout France - France Tourism Development Agency, is responsible for promoting the development of the tourism industry, the country's largest economic sector. Atout France's primary mission is to monitor and analyse the supply and demand in the tourist market. Atout France is also committed to promoting destinations and tourism partners in and from France. This is achieved through marketing campaigns, online promotion, PR and working closely with the travel trade sector. Atout France is represented in the UK and Ireland from its office in London.