Travel costs rise for many

Travel is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many people, with rising costs and new taxation measures threatening to make it a privilege reserved for the wealthy, according to reports.

Flight cancellations disrupt plans

In the Brest region, as well as in Bordeaux and Lyon, travel plans are being disrupted due to flight cancellations by Volotea, a low-cost carrier. The company is struggling with rising fuel prices, which its business model based on low-price tickets finds difficult to absorb.

Holiday plans may be affected

As a result, many aspiring travelers may remain at home during the All Saints' Day holidays, as they had hoped to visit destinations such as Faro or the Canary Islands.

Transport options grow more expensive

Transport alternatives are also becoming more expensive. Taking a car from Brest to reach Nantes airport, once an uncomfortable but feasible option, has become very costly. The small reductions in fuel prices promised by the government are unlikely to change this situation.

Train is not a cheap alternative

Additionally, the train is not a cheap alternative. This means that even those who prefer not to fly may face higher costs when trying to reach their destinations.

French government targets tourism sector

Despite these economic challenges, the travel and transport industry remains a target for the French government in its efforts to reduce the deficit. The 2027 Finance Bill (PLF 2027) plans to increase taxes on the tourism industry.

New taxes on transport infrastructure

For example, it aims to make the tax on the exploitation of long-distance transport infrastructure (TEITLD) progressive, with the rate potentially rising from 4.6% to 12.2% for the most profitable operators. The bill also plans to increase the ceiling of the security and safety tariff (T2S) applicable to small regional airports from 20€ to 22€ per passenger.

Funds to be drawn from ANCV

The government also intends to draw 125 million euros from the surplus cash of the National Agency for Vacation Checks (ANCV), which could weaken the agency's efforts to help the most modest travelers. Additionally, taxation applicable to property owners who rent out their property through Airbnb is expected to be tightened.

Tourism sector faces tough choices

With these challenges, the tourism sector may have no choice but to continue increasing the price of its services and eliminate unprofitable offerings, which could force many travelers to stay at home.