Overview
- French tour operators report a sharp booking slump since early March, with reservations down about 15% in the first week and about 25% the next, according to the SETO trade group.
- Surveys show fewer people plan to go abroad, with projected outbound travelers falling to about 8.5 million and 41% saying they may change spring or summer plans.
- Demand is shifting to closer options seen as safer, including southern Europe and French coastal regions, while interest also rises for the Caribbean and Canada.
- Operators who handled tens of thousands of repatriations are now pushing flexible and last‑minute offers so customers can book and still switch plans if conditions change.
- Higher kerosene prices threaten to lift airfares, which could deter long‑haul trips and leave the season more volatile even as industry leaders stop short of calling it lost.