Paris, Dec. 8 -- French travel agencies are reporting a notable rise in bookings for the Christmas and year-end holiday season, with Vietnam emerging as one of the most popular long-haul destinations since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite economic uncertainties, late bookings are helping keep the market buoyant.

According to the Orchestra analytics system for the French Association of Travel Management (AFTM), bookings for the 2025 Christmas period have risen 5.4% year-on-year, while the average holiday expenditure per traveller remains unchanged at 3,916 EUR (about 4,600 USD). Its President Valerie Boned noted that travel continues to be a priority in French household budgets, especially during year-end holidays when families often choose...