 | | Paris FAM Participants at Parc Asterix |
The Paris Convention & Visitors’ Bureau (OTCP) in partnership with Atout France and Air France has organised familiarization tour titled “Summer in Paris” 8th to the 12th August 2011.
The participants included Yunus Mohammed – Travel Tours India, Gabriel Rajaratnam – Vacations Exotica, Nishant Ranjan – Make My Trip, Anil Batra – Trail Blazers India, Dilshaad Buhariwala – Travel Optionz Holidays & Ms. Rakhi from Traveltechie.com
“Summer in Paris” helped discover a plethora of touristic offerings of the stunning capital city. Taking into account the interest shown by Indian clients in nature and natural trails, OTCP prepared an innovative itinerary around the theme, “Summer in Paris”. The itinerary includes visits to relevant sites such as hotels, recreational areas and shopping outlets. Special efforts have been taken to hosts meals at restaurants serving Indian and vegetarian food with French flavours.
Besides the visits, the Fam tour also consists of a work session with a selection of delegates from the Paris-India committee. This meeting was followed by a cocktail in the presence of OTCP representatives in charge of the Indian market. OTCP also invited the participants of the Fam tour to their office premises for an interactive debriefing session and to present the initiatives chalked out for the Indian market for 2012.
In an exclusive interview with Traveltechie.com, Patricia Barthelemy - International Promotion Manager Asia - Paris Convention & Visitors Bureau said, " India is an important market for PCVB. In 2003, 1,50,000 Indians visited France which has grown to about 2,30,000 as per last years figure. They have set a modest target of 8,00,000 visitors for 2020". 95% of people visiting France visit Paris".
She outlined the action plan for the year 2011 which includes
a) Training of the Local Hoteliers/ Restaurant Owners & other service providers in & around Paris about the expectations of the Indian Tourists/ clients
b) Will Publish a reference book for Indians about the different eating places in Paris which would be in accordance with the Indian tastes.
c) Including Indian vegetarian food option in the menus of local Parisian restaurants so that Indian tourist can experience the rich & varied culture of Paris
d) Will hold meeting with the TA's & To's in WTM London & create more awareness about Paris.
e) Promote Paris as a whole city & not just a city to visit Eiffel tower.
f) Development of tourist attractions such as Paris city tour by CV vintage cars,
g) Paris by night, Inclusion of Indian veg menu in most of the River Cruises, walking tour of Paris,
h) Promotion of Asterix Park which is situated in outskirts of the city on the highway to Belgium/ Netherlands,
i) Behind the scenes tour of the various theatres, operas, Lido Shows & also Eiffel Towers. (PFA the details)
She also said that,"The food & travel guide aimed for the Indian tourist will not only help the Local Parisian people understand the needs & demands of the Indian Tourist but also provide better hospitality to Indian tourists. these guides are also aimed to help Indians visiting Paris in planning their Itinerary accordingly on their own or with the help of the TA's TO's."
The french hospitality was well experienced by the group leaving with fond memories of the romantic city. | 