The violent protests that have engulfed France following the fatal police shooting of a teenager are starting to impact the country’s tourism sector. Hotels and restaurants are facing cancellations, and some establishments have suffered damage during the unrest. Thierry Marx, president of the main association for hotel and catering industry employers, stated that hotels have experienced a wave of reservation cancellations in affected areas. He expressed concern for the safety of people in the industry and called on authorities to guarantee their security.
The French retail federation (FCD) also emphasized the need for reinforced police security around stores. Numerous food and non-food stores have been vandalized, looted, and even burned, causing significant financial losses. The Paris Ile-de-France Chamber of Commerce has mobilized its teams to provide support and assistance to affected traders and managers.
The incidents of violence and unrest have raised security concerns, particularly among Asian tourists who prioritize safety. The fear is that these events may lead to trip cancellations or postponements. Managing director Franck Trouet of the GHR organization for independent hotels and restaurants in France highlighted the risk of a wave of cancellations, especially among security-conscious tourists.
Didier Arino, managing director of Protourisme, expressed concern about the negative impact on France’s image as a tourist destination. He stated that it feels like a negative publicity campaign worth millions of euros. The confederation of tobacconists also expressed indignation at the looting and ransacking of shops, including 91 tobacconists.
Jean-Francois Rial, president of the Paris Tourist Office, raised concerns about the impact on the organization of the Olympic Games, as several events are scheduled to take place in Seine-Saint-Denis, a disadvantaged area in the north of Paris. The ongoing unrest could complicate the preparations and create further challenges for hosting the games.