Every cloud has a silver lining... and this has proved true once again after the ordeals experienced in Paris twice this year. With a sigh of relief, the city of light felt the immense space it holds in the hearts of its citizens and the world in general and tourists in particular. The wave of solidarity, testimonials of support and humanist reactions from around the world somehow smooth over the bad reputation France has often been had to bear. For many, the attack France, was an attack on a symbol that goes well beyond its own borders and deserves to have all positive energies rise up against a new form of inhumanity.

In concrete terms, the tourism sector, which was necessarily hit full force by the attacks and terrorists, has proved just how resilient it is. Yes, of course it had to bow down while sadness and fear dominated the atmosphere for the weeks that ensued. However, it raised up its head obstinately as soon as life gradually returned to normal. Those who believe that joie de vivre is an offense have not succeeded in propagating panic and rendering the city's citizens and guests reclusive.

The outcome for tourist activity could have been truly catastrophic. Unfortunately for some companies that were already having difficulties and could not handle any further shock, it was. But the negative impact was absorbed overall. The slump is certain, but it applies to a globally dynamic trend and France has managed to reap its share. It is possible -without being naively optimistic- to imagine that the country will rise up from its ordeals like a phoenix.

Just a little more than 70 years ago, General de Gaulle, announced: "Paris outraged! Paris broken! Paris martyred! But Paris liberated!" His words, then, were about even more dramatic events, but the meaning of his sentence resonates pertinently today. In a way, the attacks have freed up new energy. They accelerated considerations about the transformation of economic models, the need to adapt to rapid changes in behavior. If we must live in an unstable world, we must be ready to accept the consequences and develop new means of working and collaborating!

A feeling of solidarity between the different links never seemed so necessary. Rear-guard battles are increasingly unusual in light of the collective interest in establishing new working relations. To be clear, the result has not yet been reached, but the movement is underway. Fewer invectives and more constructive proposals are being said to one another so that each may find his proper place. The family is being extended, somewhat by force, but within a deliberate will to exclude newcomers.

We are entering a period of respite and good resolutions. There is surely something illusory in believing that that it will continue without a snag but it doesn't hurt to keep our hopes up. The year 2016 does not look like it will kick off under bad auspices. The world is aware of the new priorities for preserving the environment and its future, and everyone in their own way must own this new realism and transform obligations into positive energy. So it is with measured, but sincere, optimism that I express my wishes for success for the year that is about to begin. Let's make sure that the momentum that is developing and will change our shared destination continues along its trajectory. I also wish to thank you for following us in ever growing numbers and for sharing in this desire to improve how our sector, its results and exemplarity are perceived.

Georges Panayotis
Chairman & CEO
+33 (0) 1 56 56 87 87
Hospitality ON

View source