International tourists played a key role in supporting France's summer tourism season, even as the country faced broader economic challenges. According to reports from the IFTM professional tourism fair in Paris, which began on September 15, the number of visitors from abroad has been strong. For instance, Mexican tourists increased by 14% in July compared to the previous year, while American arrivals rose by 3%. From January to July, international tourism revenue totaled 49.5 billion euros, with a 3.7% increase in July alone compared to 2025. Christian Mantei, president of Atout France, the national tourism organization, said that international tourism could generate over 80 billion euros this year—up from 77.5 billion euros in the previous year. In contrast, French tourists saw a drop in departure rates, with a five-point decline in July and August compared to the same period last year, reaching 59%. However, when including June and September, the departure rate remained stable at 72%. According to the minister, French travelers had to make trade-offs in how they spent their money while on vacation, particularly on dining, activities, and souvenirs. A study by ADN Tourisme found that 62% of vacationers felt the need to restrict their spending. Despite this, tourism is still considered an "essential need" for many French people, who are increasingly choosing to travel outside of peak season, according to Serge Papin. The shift in travel behavior among French tourists has raised concerns about the balance between international and domestic tourism. Réseau Action Climat, an environmental group, urged the government to prioritize French and European tourists. They pointed out that efforts to upgrade France’s tourism offerings—originally aimed at attracting international visitors—have come at the expense of less affluent French tourists. This highlights the growing challenge of ensuring that tourism benefits all segments of the population, not just those with higher disposable incomes. As France continues to rely on tourism as a major economic driver, the sector is navigating a delicate balance between welcoming international visitors and supporting domestic travel. With economic pressures affecting spending habits, the government and tourism industry are under increasing pressure to create more inclusive and affordable options for French travelers. This need for balance is likely to shape tourism policies and strategies in the coming months.