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# [RÉUNION] Tourism: Record Attendance and Drive to Diversify Towards Germany
- URL: https://businessoi.media/en/la-reunion-tourisme-record-de-frequentation-et-ouverture-vers-lallemagne-pour-diversifier-les-marches-en/
- Published: 2026-09-05T02:47:13.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-05T02:47:13.000Z
- Description: 272,284 tourists in H1, €229M in receipts, +3.5%: Réunion records a tourism high and launches a commercial drive towards Germany, Switzerland and South-East Asia to reduce its dependence on the mainland French market.
- Author: Emmanuel TAOCHY
- Tags: La Réunion, tourisme, Économie, Revue matinale, #en

Réunion Island recorded a new tourism high with 272,284 visitors in the first half of the year, generating €229.1 million in receipts — up 3.5%. But with 82% of tourists from mainland France, the island is launching a commercial offensive to diversify towards Germany, Switzerland, the UK and Belgium.

## A Record First Half

The first-half tourism review confirms Réunion's upward trajectory. With 272,284 tourists welcomed — up 3% on the same period — and receipts reaching €229.1 million (+3.5%), the "intense island" is establishing itself as a premium destination in full expansion within the Indian Ocean basin. These results are underpinned by a diversified offer — hiking, luxury tourism, diving, gastronomy — that attracts high-spending visitors.

## The Challenge of Dependence on Mainland France

The visitor profile reveals a structural vulnerability: 82% of visitors — around 220,000 tourists over the half-year — come from mainland France. "Diversification of our markets is more necessary than ever," the island's tourism officials emphasised. Such heavy concentration on a single market is a risk factor in the event of an economic or social shock in metropolitan France.

## A Push Towards European and International Markets

To rebalance this profile, Réunion is pursuing a strategic opening to new source markets. Air Austral is at the heart of the drive, with partnerships in development towards Germany, Switzerland, the UK and Belgium. On long-haul routes, agreements are also being developed to Johannesburg — to capture affluent Southern Africa travellers — and Bangkok, targeting South-East Asia.

## Luxury Tourism as a Value Driver

The strong growth in the luxury segment, visible since early 2026, adds higher value than simple volume increases. Five-star hotels, luxury villas and a top-tier dining scene position Réunion in the high-end tier of Indian Ocean destinations, competing directly with Mauritius and the Seychelles.

## Why It Matters

Tourism is a fundamental pillar of Réunion's economy. The ability to diversify source markets is key to the resilience of the whole sector. By opening to Germany, Switzerland and South-East Asia, Réunion is equipping itself to consolidate its attendance records, move upmarket and reduce dependence on a single market.

*Sources: Outremers360, Lejournaldesarchipels.com, July 2026.*