As the new year begins, it's not a bad idea to look behind us. Such moments of introspection can help us get ahead. A look at Paris illustrates all we need to do to improve France's tourism development.

Paris's supply has long been insufficient in light of the destination's appeal and the constant increase in the number of tourists traveling worldwide. For many years, for example, it was difficult to find rooms in Paris during major events. This has had its consequences on the development of collaborative hosting and price increases.

To complete introspection, we must recognize that the image of our destination has been gradually spoiled. Terrorist attacks, mediocre reception, purse-snatching, rudeness of Parisians who see tourists as intruders... are as many filters that have slowly conspired to veil the brilliance of the City of Light.

France, which has exported new hotel concepts for the past forty years, is now being overtaken by England, the Netherlands and Germany. What policies and incentives should be implemented to stimulate innovation and creativity in the hotel and tourism industry? New concepts are essential to renewing and completing the French and Parisian offer and to developing the appeal of its territories.

Tourists' have many expectations and these evolve very quickly. Until now the City of Paris has prioritized the demands of its residents, meaning its voters, with little concern for satisfying its tourists. Was this a good policy? Was it realistic to want to make tourism a national priority without listening to the needs of tourists?

In order for the destination to have a positive and attractive image worldwide, it must change how it welcomes tourists; in comparison to other European capitals the difference is gradually increasing. Entertainment and events are important for attracting tourists and making them come back. They are also positive for residents who see their cities differently and benefit from the financial windfall generated by tourist spending. They must be developed while ensuring cohabitation is harmonious and beneficial for all.

We must work together to improve the visitor's experience from the moment of their arrival to choosing accommodation options in terms of range and type, and the leisure activities available. Transportation also requires extensive improvement, and increasingly connected tourists require Internet access... Supply and infrastructure must be renovated, improved and developed to meet the current standards of international tourists' expectations. The refurbishment of the area at the foot of the Eiffel Tower is one of the countless projects that must be carried out to restore the capital to its former glory. It has just been launched with the project "Grand site Tour Eiffel: Discover, approach, visit" but the City of Paris must not stop there.

It is time to prepare ourselves for battle to win back the favor international opinion, tourism development policies are infinite. The fact the Olympic Games in 2024 will be held in Paris is a strong and very positive signal that must be exploited to the fullest extent. This sector allows us to gather and build together in spite of differences and adversity, as the President of the Republic has urged us to do.

I would like to wish all an excellent year of recovery, and set off full sail with our sights set on the 100 million tourists around the world!

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

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