Post the recent attacks in Paris, the number of foreign visitors to Paris (and to France) have fallen drastically. Alarmed, the authorities are taking all measures to put together a recovery plan (with a a major focus on film tourism).
Despite home to several tourist attractions (including the city of Paris), France has been struggling to attract tourists, which have dropped significantly following a series of deadly attacks.
Paris Mayor Unveils Film Promoting Paris
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo unveiled a film promoting Paris, highlighting the vibrancy of the city of Paris through portraits of Parisians and visitors. The film reveals Paris through its monuments, shops, gastronomy and also its hidden treasures and Parisians, on cafe terraces and along the Canal Saint-Martin.
“When I was told about this project, I was delighted to pay tribute to my city. I was born here, I grew up here and I still live here today. I wanted to film the city’s streets, shops, cooking but more than anything I wanted to pay tribute to the stories that can be created here. I wanted to show Paris in a different way, a multifaceted Paris that conveys as many emotions and atmospheres as there are districts’, director Jalil Lespert.
“Paris is a unique and magical city for so many reasons, whether because of its culture, fashion, gastronomy … We are resolutely determined to reaffirm Paris’s vocation to welcome visitors from all over the world. Paris, a resilient city, has known how to bounce back and today invites you to come and discover an innovative and vibrant city. Paris will always be Paris”, emphasized Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris.
Authorities are hoping the tourism film will boost tourist numbers.
Video link: http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7990551-paris-tourism-film-boost-visitor-numbers
Paris Hoping ‘Befikre’ will Lure More Indian Tourists
France was hoping that Bollywood romantic film ‘Befikre’ will help lure Indian visitors back to Paris and neighboring areas in France, but the movie failed to make an impact at the box office.
In fact, the makers of Befikre claim its the first Bollywood production that has been entirely in France. The crew spent around 50 days shooting in France.
Befikre (means ‘Carefree’ in English) captures the best of France – golden beaches of the Cote D’Azur, Paris opera house, historic bridges of the Seine, and more.
Watch: Befikre promo video, Vaani Kapoor in Paris, talks about the French Language
France made sure it did not miss out on the opportunity.
After all, a successful Bollywood film can ensure tourists for many more years to come (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge for Switzerland, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara for Spain, Switzerland has benefited a lot from most Yash Chopra movies).
French ambassador to India says the movie is worth “all the marketing campaigns in the world”.
Bollywood is without any doubt one of the the biggest influence over travel today for the Indian middle class people, who have been travelling abroad in growing numbers.
That is one reason why top tourist hotspots around the world are increasingly focusing on India.
You can expect French operators to organise tours that will take you to the places where the film was shot.
Also Read: Ranveer Singh’s wax statue to be unveiled at Paris’s Grevin wax museum.
Watch: Befikre promo video, Vaani Kapoor in France, talks about ‘French Dressing’
