Inflation, social climate, political uncertainties… Autumn is shaping up to be more than turbulent for travel agencies. In Berlin, at the Central-Western Travel Companies Convention, the mood was one of caution. But behind the tensions lies an unprecedented opportunity: to tap into the €6.3 trillion in French savings earmarked for travel plans. Is now the time for agencies to seize the initiative?
A sector under pressure from September
The figures speak for themselves: according to the survey conducted by Orchestra for the French Travel Agencies Association (EdV), travel agency sales fell by 8% in July-August 2025 compared to last year. In September, the trend remained fragile with a 6% decrease. Valérie Boned, president of the French Travel Agencies Association, described the quarter as "far more difficult than the previous two years.".
The average spend remains high, certainly, but this is not a sign of recovery: it is primarily the effect of inflation in the airfare and accommodation sectors. As a result, travel agencies are observing a widespread wait-and-see approach. An EdV administrator sums it up: "The week was very difficult in terms of bookings."
A hidden windfall: record savings of the French
And yet, the French have never been so wealthy. The savings rate exceeds 10%, and their financial assets have reached over €6.3 trillion. This is a record in Europe. For Marc-Élie Caspar, France Director of Convera, "travel remains the best antidote to the prevailing gloom." The challenge now is to convert these savings into concrete projects.
Travel agencies can achieve this if they strengthen their value proposition: flexibility, transparency, and security. And above all, if they refocus their message on experience, emotion, and reconnection—something digital platforms struggle to do.
A sensitive political and social context
But the economic climate is anything but favorable. Between Fitch's downgrade of France's credit rating, the social unrest of September, and fears of blockades, instability is hindering consumption. "The recent signs are worrying," confirms Valérie Boned.
Added to this is regulatory uncertainty. The new European directive on package travel, currently under discussion, could complicate the management of deposits. Travel agencies are on high alert regarding this issue, as it risks undermining their business model if each country applies different rules.
A committed regional EdV agreement
In Berlin, the EdV Centre-Ouest convention brought together nearly 100 participants, a record for a regional branch. Organized by Yvon Peltanche (Eden Tours) with the support of Parfums du Monde, it provided an opportunity to address current economic, regulatory, and technological challenges.
Speakers included Hugues Le Bret, Virginie Faivet, Cyril Guiraud, and John Baird-Smith, all moderated by François-Xavier Izenic. The trip was packed, but revealing: costly logistics, rising prices, and pressure on margins. It was a reflection of the realities faced by professionals on the ground.
What I deduce from this
As a travel journalist, I believe that travel agencies must now leverage their greatest asset: trust. In an uncertain world, they can once again become trusted advisors. To achieve this, they need guidance, education, and service. Now is the time to regain the upper hand in the jungle of online platforms.
Key points to remember
- Summer sales down 8% for travel agencies
But also: €6.3 trillion in available savings, an unstable climate that calls for more customer reassurance, and a European directive in the crosshairs for tourism professionals.
Update
Last updated: September 15, 2025
Sources
https://www.lechotouristique.com/article/agences-de-voyages-une-fin-dannee-rocknroll
