ETOA: Demand for Paris holds firm

ETOA, the association for European Tourism, has declared that there has been little impact on demand for Paris as a result of the attacks last week.

Tom Jenkins said: “European Tourism has suffered from outrages in the past, but the remarkable thing is that we have heard of no significant cancellations by groups or individuals travelling. Analyses of the online booking trends show no divergence from before the events.”

He continued: “Long haul markets used to be particularly sensitive. A perception of danger in one city in Europe would blight the whole continent. But this has not happened. This may be due to the localised nature of the atrocities or it may be because world leaders responded by going to Paris to display solidarity. Having Angela Merkel and David Cameron go for a walk with two million others sets a wonderful example.

Whatever the reason, so far we have seen a heartening resilience amongst the public. This is not just good news for France, but good news for the rest of Europe.

For two years we have held our Hoteliers European Marketplace (HEM) in Paris in February. This year bookings remain ahead of 2014, and we have had no fall outs. Our members – who bring millions of inbound visitors to Paris – know that future demand remains robust.

Despite heightened security measures, Versailles, Musee D’Orsay, The Eiffel Tower and The Louvre Museum are all open and expecting many groups.

No visitors have been deterred. They have decided that the best response to this assault is to go to Paris and enjoy themselves. And Paris – one of the world’s top international destinations – remains defiantly there to be enjoyed.”