Rendez-vous en France draws over 1,900 tourism experts

The 17th edition of the Rendez-vous en France took place in the beautiful 'Pink City' of Toulouse, in Occitanie Region, drawing more than 1,900 tourism professionals from across the globe to discuss the key challenges in offering a more qualitative, sustainable and inclusive tourism to the world.

 

A tourism trade fair organised by the French tourism development agency, Atout France, Rendez-vous en France is the most important B2B exhibition dedicated to the international marketing of French tourism offerings.

 

The two-day event was inaugurated by Olivia Grégoire, Minister Delegate in charge of Business, Tourism and Consumption, as well as Carole Delga, President of the Occitanie Region, on March 26 and it garnered more global attention owing to the numerous events to be held in France this year starting with the biggest sports extravaganza - Olympic and Paralympic Games of Paris 2024 followed by the 150th anniversary of Impressionism.

 

A key highlight this year will be the celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day Landings at Normandy on June 6 when Allied forces mounted the largest amphibious invasion the world has ever witnessed.

 

To mark the anniversary of Battle of Normandy, which led to the liberation of France and Europe, a rich and unprecedented programme of events is being put together that will rekindle the memory of this tragic period of world history to life, all while emphasising the spirit of hope, said the organisers.

 

The other events lined up this year are the Francophonie Summit in Villers-Cotterêts and also the much-awaited reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris, a medieval Catholic cathedral on the Île de la Cité, in Paris.

 

One of France's most popular tourist attractions, Notre-Dam was gutted in a devastating fire in April 2019 which led to its roof and spire collapsing. The cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. 

 

The structure has been through a five-year restoration, which has had many ups and downs - starting from the delays owing to Covid-19 pandemic to the departure of the project's leader.

 

TOP FIRMS AT SHOW

During the two-day event, the French tourism players were out in force with more than 600 top firms showcasing their products and new developments to nearly 850 international stakeholders from 62 countries across the globe.

 

A city of heritage and a land of adventure, exhibitions, concerts and festivals, Tolouse is the fourth-largest city in France. 

 

This year's Rendez-vous en France witnessed some of the biggest names in the tourism industry discuss key  challenges including that of offering a qualitative, sustainable and inclusive tourism to the world. 

 

Under the evocative slogan 'Dream big, live slow', tourists are being invited to France to enjoy unforgettable, environmentally friendly travel experiences. 

 

French tourism officials are encouraging visitors to discover at their own pace and in complete freedom, incredible panoramas and places unreachable by car. 

 

It is aimed at all travellers, offering possibilities both for sports cycling enthusiasts and for families looking for outdoor leisure activities or adventurers wishing to roam and cross France from one region to another, stated the officials.  

 

This year, as part of the national tourism strategy, Atout France has collaborated with France Vélo Tourisme, to focus on boosting the practice of bicycle tourism and has set an ambitious target to make France a global hub for bicycle tourism by 2030. 

 

ExploreFrance

Under the banner 'ExploreFrance',  the 13 regional tourism organisations of mainland France and around 20 companies in the sector are uniting as part of the campaign to promote the France destination internationally.

 

"The 26,256 business meetings scheduled demonstrated the undeniable success of the show among international tour operators, eager to strengthen ties with their French partners," said a spokesperson for Atout France. 

 

In order to highlight the dynamic momentum of the French tourism industry in terms of innovation, Atout France has opened the doors of its Innovation Space to a selection of 14 French start-ups. These companies work to improve the traveller experience and enrich the range of services intended for professionals in the tourism sector.

 

The France evening at the Victor Hugo Market invited all the participants to the heart of an emblematic place of the French art of living, to celebrate the Vi(ll)e en rose by tasting local specialties in an unforgettable moment of indulgence.-TradeArabia News Service