Lyon’s tourism sector is demonstrating resilience, even as it navigates a slight dip following a remarkably strong 2024. Although overall visitor numbers experienced a modest decrease in 2025, the city’s ability to attract business travelers – particularly through conferences and conventions – continues to be a key driver of its economic health. This focus on business tourism is helping to offset challenges presented by a lack of major events like the Biennale d’art contemporain, which occurs every other year, and lingering global uncertainties.
The city recorded 9.5 million overnight stays in 2025, a stable figure compared to previous years, according to Virginie Carton, the director general of OnlyLyon Tourisme. Of those, 5.3 million were in hotels, with approximately 30% attributed to Airbnb and similar short-term rental platforms. While hotel occupancy rates saw a slight decline of 1.4 percentage points, landing at 69.4%, Lyon remains the second most popular city for hotel stays in France, trailing only Paris. The revenue per available room (RevPar), a key metric for hotel performance, remained relatively stable, decreasing by just 0.7%.
However, the true strength of Lyon’s tourism lies in its ability to draw business travelers. Approximately 60% of overnight stays are directly linked to conferences, conventions, and other professional gatherings. Robert Revat, president of OnlyLyon Tourisme, noted that this segment thrived in the immediate post-COVID period as organizations sought opportunities for in-person connection, but has faced headwinds in 2025 due to broader global economic and political uncertainties. “Un domaine qui a très bien marché post-Covid avec le besoin de se retrouver, mais qui a pâti en 2025 des incertitudes de toutes sortes,” Revat stated.
The Rise of Business Tourism in Lyon
Lyon’s success in attracting business tourism isn’t accidental. The city has cultivated a reputation as a hub for specialized conferences, particularly in the fields of science and health. This “ADN lyonnais,” as described by OnlyLyon Tourisme, draws experts and attendees from around the world. The city’s infrastructure, including the Lyon Convention Centre and a network of hotels catering to business travelers, further supports this sector.
It’s important to distinguish between conventions and congresses, according to OnlyLyon Tourisme. While conventions have experienced a downturn, congresses – typically larger, more academic gatherings – remain robust. This distinction highlights the need for a nuanced approach to supporting the city’s business tourism strategy.
The year 2024 was particularly strong for Lyon’s tourism industry, boosted by a series of high-profile events. Taylor Swift and Coldplay both performed concerts in the city, drawing large crowds of fans. Coldplay even paid tribute to Swift, covering her song “Love Story” after her scheduled concerts in Vienna were cancelled due to security concerns. The city also hosted the WorldSkills competition, a global showcase of vocational skills, and a large gathering of Jehovah’s Witnesses. These events collectively contributed to a surge in visitor numbers and economic activity.
The impact of these events is evident in the overall tourism figures. The influx of visitors in 2024 created a high baseline for comparison, making the slight decrease in 2025 appear more significant. However, industry leaders emphasize that the current figures remain healthy and demonstrate the city’s underlying strength.
Strengthening Lyon’s Position as a Conference Destination
Looking ahead, OnlyLyon Tourisme is focused on reinforcing Lyon’s position as a premier destination for conferences and conventions. This includes attracting events in emerging fields, enhancing the city’s infrastructure, and promoting Lyon’s unique cultural and culinary offerings to attendees. The organization is also working to address the uncertainties that have impacted the business tourism sector in 2025, such as economic fluctuations and geopolitical instability.
The city’s commitment to sustainability is also becoming increasingly important. Lyon is actively promoting eco-friendly practices within the tourism industry, aiming to attract environmentally conscious travelers and organizations. This includes supporting hotels and venues that prioritize sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of events.
The continued success of Lyon’s tourism sector will depend on its ability to adapt to changing market conditions and capitalize on its strengths. By focusing on business tourism, investing in infrastructure, and promoting its unique cultural identity, Lyon is well-positioned to remain a popular destination for visitors from around the world.
The next major event on the horizon for Lyon is the planned update to the city’s convention center, scheduled for review by the city council in the fall of 2026. This project is expected to further enhance Lyon’s capacity to host large-scale conferences and conventions, solidifying its position as a leading business tourism destination.
What are your thoughts on Lyon’s tourism strategy? Share your comments below and let us grasp what you think!
