“My participation on the Atout France occasion was very helpful,” Serge Malaison, co-founder and Managing Director of the Quebec Metropolis-based Voyages Centaure, instructed Travelweek. “It has allowed me to fulfill with a number of enterprise companions with whom we shall be working intently in 2024 to supply probably the most unique France itineraries.”
The Atout France Canada crew, he added, helped to maximise his service supplier conferences and introduction alternatives. “Service suppliers with whom we shall be in search of to construct sturdy enterprise partnerships,” he mentioned. “The framework allowed us to learn probably the most from each occasion workshop.”
Kristine Geary, President and CEO of Kingston-based Maple Leaf Excursions, which is a licensed Aboriginal enterprise, appreciated the possibility to community with like-minded individuals. “I used to be impressed with the huge array of suppliers and wealth of data – and in addition a fantastic alternative to attach with different journey professionals.”
France noticed report worldwide tourism revenues – €58 billion – in 2022, with a lot of the guests coming from different components of Europe and America.
“It’s at all times so helpful to expertise locations firsthand and the chance to take part in a pre-fam for Rendez-Vous en France was super,” Susan Minns, Partnership and Alternatives Creator at The Divine Vacation spot Assortment in Toronto, instructed Travelweek. “And, to then spend two days assembly with tourism suppliers was wonderful. The standard of the choices was first price and the occasion was very properly organized.”
2024 OLYMPICS & MORE
This 12 months, sustainable tourism was on the forefront of the convention, in addition to sports activities tourism. With the Rugby World Cup later this 12 months, and the upcoming 2024 Olympic and Paralympic video games, it’s no marvel visitation numbers are on the rise.
Normandy may even be buzzing in 2024, for the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Impressionist motion, which, mixed with Paris, is the place such artists as Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir had been impressed to choose up their paints. Subsequent 12 months additionally marks the eightieth anniversary of the D-Day landings throughout the Second World Conflict, with particular occasions for remembrance journey.
Together with sustainable themes, Atout France additionally put a give attention to inclusive tourism. Europe, with its cobblestone streets and untouchable historic structure, generally is a problem for some. This 12 months, exhibitors had been additionally chosen for assembly the Tourisme & Handicaps certification (https://tourisme-handicaps.org/), which is a designation given by the non-profit group that’s made up of each tourism professionals and incapacity consultants, and ensures providers and gear are accessible based on nationwide requirements.
On the press conferences, media had been taken on a ‘Dream Huge, Dwell Gradual’ journey via greater than a dozen areas of France. Every consultant gave a snapshot of how their space is consistent with the theme. One at all times goals massive in the case of French, farm-to-table meals and wine, after all. Northern France, for instance, is that this 12 months’s European Area of Gastronomy – the primary of the French areas to be designated as such. There are additionally gentler-footprint biking, mountain climbing and strolling excursions – Forest Bathing within the Vosges Massif in Alsace, or the pursuit of carbon-neutrality at The Baie de Somme, for instance.
The Olympics, nonetheless, was actually the start line of the day’s dialog. Medal-winning athlete Thierry Rey, the Paris 2024 Particular Advisor, launched into this system with an Olympics by the numbers: from 54 sports activities (32 Olympic and 22 Paralympic) to fifteen,000 athletes to welcoming 206 international locations, Paris shall be on the world stage.
Fabrice Favetto-Bon, the Paris 2023 Common Supervisor for On Location (the official hospitality supplier), adopted with what the providing for brokers will appear like. A centralized world gross sales mannequin has been created, the place followers and brokers should purchase packages from a single supplier, and the Paris Video games would be the first to make use of this technique (adopted by Milan in February 2026, and Los Angeles in 2028).
A sub-distribution gross sales community has been arrange throughout the globe, and permits friends and brokers to buy packages – together with tickets – with out the chance of fraud or over-charging. All the things shall be digital, and greater than 90% of the sports activities occasions might be bundled with choices similar to resorts (Accor is an official associate) and Airbnb; entry to particular golf equipment and occasions pre- and post-Olympics; and extra, take your decide.
In Canada, Montreal-based ATPI Company Journey and Occasions Options (atpi.ca/) is the chosen associate, however for extra data, brokers can go to: hospitalitytravelpackages.paris2024.org; olympics.onlocationexp.com/paris2024/; or B2B shoppers hospitality platform: https://corporatehospitality.paris2024.org
For air journey to the Metropolis of Gentle, Air France, with its each day flights and up to date premium economic system providing is an choice. The seats swivel ahead, together with an computerized footrest, slightly than reclining. And there’s Champagne at meal service, after all. airfrance.ca/en/
For extra, go to Atout France’s devoted Canadian vacationer website: https://ca.france.fr/en. Atout France can be discovered on social media: #explorefrance Instagram: @france.fr, Fb: @CA.france.fr
Caroline Leboucher, CEO, Atout France
Thierry Rey, 1980 Olympic champion and Paris 2024 Particular Advisor
