France has seen an 8% drop in tourism following terrorist attacks in the past year, and is committing an extra €10 million in government funds to win the travelers back.
Despite the drop, France drew over 85 million visitors last year; the industry accounts for about €170 billion a year, with more than half going to the hotel and restaurant sector. Millions of jobs are at stake.
The 8% drop has not been even around the country; the drop has been sharper in Paris and along the Riviera, two areas where attacks occurred.
The new funding commitment developed from a meeting between foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and an Emergency Economic Committee for Tourism, which includes representatives from SNCF, hotel chains, and tourism promotion organizations.
