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Taxation, employment, sustainability… the Medef (French Business Confederation) is tackling the major challenges facing French tourism. According to the trade press, the employers' federation has presented a prospective study, developed with MKG Consulting, which brings together more than a hundred proposals to strengthen the sector's competitiveness by 2035. This initiative is being led by the Destination France Tourisme commission, created to structure the Medef's communication on this strategic issue.
Summary
Why the Medef is taking over tourism
Two years after its internal reorganization, the Medef (French Business Confederation) is strengthening its role in the public debate surrounding tourism. The dedicated commission is co-chaired by Philippe Korcia and Aurore Iwanciw. According to the specialized press, the federation intends to support the ecological, technological, and social transitions that are reshaping the sector.
“Tourism represents 7.5% of France’s GDP and can be a pioneer in areas such as CSR, innovation, and artificial intelligence,” notes Philippe Korcia. The Medef (French Business Confederation) therefore aims to propose a common framework for action to create a more attractive and sustainable France.
Three priorities for a more competitive tourism
The Medef's proposals are structured around three main pillars: regulatory simplification; social strengthening; and the ecological transition. This cross-cutting approach is designed to address the specific obstacles faced by professionals, according to the specialized press.
1. Reduce taxation and simplify the rules
The Medef (French Business Confederation) points to a layering of regulations and taxes that penalize competitiveness. Among the measures mentioned:
- Harmonization of VAT on tourist services.
- Gradual phasing out of the solidarity tax on airline tickets.
- National harmonization of rules applied in Low Emission Zones.
- Better coordination between local authorities and professionals regarding the tourist tax.
- Continuation of the tax exemption for tips.
According to the specialized press, the air travel sector remains heavily taxed, which would limit the purchasing power of visitors once they arrive.
2. Enhance the attractiveness of professions
Tourism relies on local jobs. The Medef (French Business Confederation) proposes several measures: housing for seasonal workers; simplification of fixed-term contracts; support for companies that improve working conditions; and enhanced training to reduce job insecurity. The goal: to retain talent and restore meaning to these essential professions.
3. Accelerate the ecological transition
The Medef (French Business Confederation) wants to make France a world leader in sustainable tourism. Proposals include the development of sustainable fuels; the harmonization of environmental standards at the European level; earlier opening of rail bookings; further opening of the rail sector to competition; streamlined procedures for projects with a positive impact; and the possibility of using vacant lots along the coastline to prevent urban sprawl.
Questions that tourism professionals are asking
1. Why now?
Because tourism is at the crossroads of ecological and social transitions; and weighs heavily on the national economy.
2. What is the purpose of the Destination France Tourisme commission?
It allows the Medef to structure the representation of tourism companies and to defend a common roadmap.
3. Will these proposals have a real impact?
They constitute a working basis for exchanges with public authorities; their implementation will depend on political decisions.
4. Which measures are considered priorities?
Tax simplification and the promotion of professions are emerging as major themes, according to the specialized press.
5. Is this vision shared on the ground?
It is generally well received; although some professionals believe that the reforms need to move faster.
A concrete example: a daily routine that could change
For an independent hotelier located in a rural area, the Medef's proposals could simplify the tourist tax; facilitate accommodation for seasonal workers; reduce regulatory burden; and provide access to more suitable social programs. According to the trade press, this type of change could transform the operational management of thousands of establishments.
Key takeaways
- The Medef publishes more than 100 proposals to strengthen the competitiveness of French tourism.
- Three structuring axes: taxation; employment; sustainability.
- A dedicated committee now structures the union's public statements.
- The goal: a more attractive, more transparent, more sustainable tourism.
- The proposals provide a basis for dialogue with the State.
Update
Article updated on December 1, 2025; formulated according to the specialized press.
Sources
According to the specialized press
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