It's good to dream. This is somewhat the spirit of this new monthly barometer "Travel intentions", set up by the Paris Tourist and Convention Office (responsible for welcoming tourists to the capital) and Atout France (which has the same vocation for the whole of France).
Objective of this barometer carried out in France and on the nine main countries which send their travelers to us (Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Switzerland, but also in China and the United States): measure and anticipate the behavior of visitors to France and Paris.
Immediately, in a presentation made this Tuesday morning, Corinne Menegaux, director general of the Paris Tourist and Convention Office, puts things straight: "The coming months will not be equivalent to previous years, but desirability of the destination remains intact ”. The barometer suggests indeed "positive tourist prospects for France and the destination Paris in the next six months, but with last minute booking intentions", specifies the study.
"A destination where they will feel safe"
Because indeed, caution in this uncertain period is imperative. Potential travelers are first attentive to changes in health conditions. "77% of foreigners and 74% of French people plan their stays in a destination where they will feel safe," notes this barometer. The majority of travelers, 7 out of 10, plan to travel by individual transport. Similarly, the terms of cancellation, postponement or reimbursement of stays are essential criteria (for 87% of foreigners and 92% of French).
Result ... on the eve of this summer period, "the desire for a vacation is clearly identified for the majority of tourists interviewed," notes this barometer with pretty obviousness. But with a downside, however: a large majority of tourists will favor the domestic market. This is the case of the Italians (67%) or the Spanish (69%). But also French people (67%) who could thus constitute the bulk of visitors to the capital.
If all the conditions are met and if the health situation allows, the study can make the eyes of tourism professionals shine. "For all those who cross borders, France maintains its position as leader of European destinations and wins the preference of 22% of the votes of foreign travelers, or 1 in 5 Europeans among those questioned. The Belgians even favor France at 40%, the Swiss at 28%, the Spaniards 22% ”, rejoices Atout France. As for distant markets and for the next few months, China tops travel intentions with 57%. With a weight reserve: "the effective opening of borders", specify the authors of the study.
"Paris maintains its status as an essential city"
The tourist office is also reassured in its own way. “Paris maintains its status as an essential city. 55% of French respondents plan to stay in Paris over the next 6 months, as do visitors from Southern Europe who also show a real desire to come to Paris, like Spain and Italy (each at 38%). And even more striking, international tourists with 60% for China. August could be the trigger for the festivities. ”
A good attitude charter
While waiting for all these little people, the Tourist Office launched the "Caring Attitude" charter in order to welcome visitors in the best possible conditions with seven commitments, such as the implementation of sanitary measures , training employees or adapting services in order to respect physical distance.
Paris Newsletter
Every morning, the news of your department seen by Le ParisienI'm registering
Your email address is collected by Le Parisien to allow you to receive our news and commercial offers. Find out more
In an explanatory note to this study - which clearly aims to motivate the troops - the tourist office recalls that last year, between June and September, the capital recorded no less than 8.9 million arrivals.