From October 12 to 18, the World Auto Show will showcase the latest car models, including an electric R5, a new highlight of the French automotive industry. Politicians, including ministers and presidential candidates, will be eager to attend and publicly express their support for the sector. Earlier in September, the Batimat trade fair, focused on construction materials like concrete and brick, also drew attention from many political figures. Looking ahead, the Agricultural Fair in February 2025 will present another challenge for politicians, as they attempt to set a record for the longest visit. With two months until the presidential election, it is likely that the event will be packed with political figures, making it difficult for farmers to take selfies due to the sheer number of attendees. Following the example of former President Jacques Chirac, who famously enjoyed "caressing the cows' butts" while visiting farms, President Emmanuel Macron has set an ambitious goal for 2024: a 12-hour visit to the fair. The question remains: who will surpass this record? The automotive industry currently accounts for 1.1% of France’s GDP and employs 329,000 people. The construction sector performs better, contributing 5% of national production. French agriculture, with 673,000 farmers, contributes only 2.1% to the GDP, significantly less than the tourism industry, which generates 8% of GDP and supports over two million direct and indirect jobs. Despite its economic significance, the IFTM tourism fair, held in Paris, did not attract any major political figures two weeks ago. The event, which saw an 8.2% increase in attendance expected by 2026, was notably quiet at the entrance, with no overcrowded security services. This absence of high-profile visitors highlights a growing trend of political indifference toward the tourism sector. Serge Papin, a former minister, has often been described as an accumulator of political favors. The position of Minister of Tourism, when it exists, is typically given to a secondary political party, such as the communists or centrists, depending on the ruling party. For former presidents like Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande, tourism seems to be of interest only when they are no longer in power, often appearing at events like the Selectour congress, where they are well paid to participate. Gabriel Attal, the current Minister of Tourism, was one of the few to attend the IFTM fair, walking among stands of companies like Air France and MSC Cruises. However, most candidates for the presidency seem unaware of the existence of such events, despite the sector’s longstanding presence in France through fairs like Top Resa in Deauville and IFTM in Paris. Tourism in France is facing financial challenges, with budgets for regional and departmental tourism committees and other attractiveness agencies being cut in recent years. While the sector is often described as self-sufficient and capable of organizing itself, the lack of government support is becoming increasingly evident. In 2026, operating expenses in tourism will reach 112 million euros, a 24% drop from 147 million euros in 2016. Investment spending, however, has remained stable, despite the need for significant increases in areas like digital transformation and visitor experience. The risk of France losing its position as a global tourism leader is growing, especially with other countries investing heavily in their sectors. Despite these challenges, the tourism industry has shown resilience, particularly during crises. Last spring, when the war in Iran led to the repatriation of French citizens stranded abroad, the sector mobilized quickly, with agencies and tour operators working together to assist those in need. However, the government has yet to provide financial compensation to those affected, as it typically does in cases of natural disasters. While some argue that the sector can function independently, others criticize the lack of long-term vision from political leaders. Despite this, the Alliance France Tourisme, representing the largest companies in the sector, has unveiled a 20-year roadmap, emphasizing the need for reliable economic indicators and a stable political framework. As the 2027 presidential election approaches, a major debate on tourism is expected, with candidates invited to outline their vision for the sector’s future.