Paris’ tourism leaders are on a mission to reassure travellers France’s capital is safe and ‘open for business’ after fatal shootings in the city last week.
Representatives of Paris’ tourism industry are said to be setting off on an ‘Open for Business’ campaign next month, which will see the group attempt to ease travellers and agents’ concerns.
Tourism is one of France’s largest economic contributors, with almost 85 million international visitors spending around 150 billion euros annually. The industry delivers seven percent of the country’s GDP, Toronto Sun reported.
Tourism in Paris reached 15.6 million last year and was responsible for employing around 260,000 workers.
The ‘Open for Business’ world tour aims to maintain tourism figures and growth by assuring some the city’s largest international visitors.
Starting in February, the representatives will travel to the UK, Los Angeles, Italy, Spain, Germany, Hong Kong and Tokyo. At the moment Australia doesn’t appear to be on the list, however, KarryOn has attempted to contact France’s local representatives to confirm whether the tour will head Down Under.
“Given the importance of this event we told ourselves that this was the priority – that this was what was really needed.”
Francois Navarro, Comite Regional du Tourisme Paris Ile-de-France managing director told Reuters
Mr Navarro said the group is currently communicating with embassies and tour operators and advising them that the city’s attractions and airports have extra police on guard. He also reassured that travel time will not be extended despite tighter security at airports.
He also said he is confident that tourism in Paris will increase this year, with considerable growth expected from Asia specifically South Korea and China plus the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) continues to advice Australians to ‘exercise normal safety precautions’ in France.
The last update on 8 January urged travellers to take extra care in Paris or the Ile de France area.
Is Paris still on your bucket list despite recent events or are you a little weary?
