In 2007, France retained its position as the world's most popular tourist destination with 82 million visitors according to the French tourism ministry. Despite strong competition from Spain holidays, the number of foreign tourists taking French holidays rose by 4% year on year in 2007. The ministry stated:
"Of the total 82 million arrivals, 14 million were in transit while 68 million were tourists whose final and main destination was France"
Europeans accounted for 46% of visitors to France, with Germans, Britons and Belgians providing the majority. There was also strong growth in French tourism from the Swiss, Italians, Spanish and Portuguese. Despite the poor value of the Euro against the Dollar, France also experienced a 7% increase in visits by American tourists. The average length of holidays in France also varies from country to country. Europeans spend an average of just under six nights in France, while Americans spend eight nights.
