Increased American Presence Helps French Tourism Rebound This Summer

CNN reported that an increase in American presence in France has “saved” the country’s summer. This is especially true in Paris, one of the world’s most visited cities.

It’s a world apart from two years ago, when the pandemic gutted tourism. Back then, France 24 reported that restrictions and closures made summer less lively. The publication wrote that 2020 “would be the summer of masks and hand sanitizer. It will also be one of the quietest in decades; with dramatically reduced numbers of international tourists and many locals on holiday around France instead of going abroad.”

CNN reported that travel to France is nearly back to “pre-pandemic levels,” to the relief of all in the tourism industry.

Frédéric Hocquard, the deputy mayor of tourism in Paris remarked, “the Americans are doing the job, meaning they are coming back en masse and with a lot of money to spend.”

CNN said “American tourists, mostly visiting in groups, are each spending $402 (400 Euros) per day in France, bringing the budget for a 10-day visit to a stunning $7,687. This is way ahead of any other foreign tourists, according to a report done by research company GfK for Visa.”

The tourism surge extends beyond the capital, too.

The French Rivera is another American favorite. It has also been popular with wealthy Russian tourists, especially Nice, Cannes and St. Tropez. However, due to the invasion in Ukraine, Russia has less of a presence than usual. The Alpes-Maritime department, where Nice and Cannes are, “was expected to lose $50.4 million in 2022 due to the absence of Russian tourists.”

CNN reported that Russian’s actions in the Ukraine have “driven down the value of the euro to its lowest levels against the US dollar since 2002. This makes travel to Europe a lot cheaper for Americans.”

Some of the top attractions in and near Paris include the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Moulin Rouge and Versailles. The French Riviera boasts the Promenade des Anglais in Nice and Le Club 55 in St. Tropez. This beach club on Pampelonne Beach was once popular with the 1960s elite. Nowadays, Le Club 55 is less concerned about glitz and more interested in simplicity.

It’s safe to say that expensive air tickets, airport drama and record hot temperatures across Europe aren’t keeping Americans from participating in “revenge travel.