Posted on 12/08/2005 2:13:56 PM PST by Simmy2.5
PARIS (Reuters) - France plans to spend a million euros to lure back foreign tourists after its image was damaged by pictures of burning cars and angry youths shown on televisions around the world during recent riots.
The Tourism Ministry said on Thursday it will take out advertisements in newspapers and travel websites, with one showing a couple embracing next to the Eiffel Tower.
The campaign will particularly target potential visitors from United States, Japan, China, Australia and Russia who France estimates are most sensitive to pictures of the violence that flared up in many of France's suburbs in November.
"In terms of image, the impact was inevitably negative for France," the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said they had seen cancellations from Russia and Japan but said that Americans took more of a wait-and-see attitude toward their holidays.
Tourism accounted for 6.5 percent of gross domestic product in France last year and tourist expenditure totaled 95.8 billion euros, according to government figures.
The ministry said it will take out internet spots with the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Chicago Tribune and the San Francisco Chronicle to win over the American market.
The rioting was blamed mostly on youths who feel excluded from mainstream society and who are frustrated by racism, harsh police treatment and high unemployment.
You can't polish a turd.
Try showering, Frenchy.
What, are they down to burning only a hundred cars a night? Only vandalizing a few churches and graveyards on a daily basis?
What? The surrender monkeys won't advertise in "Red State" America? Maybe they know better.
Well, they don't want those kind of tourist! After all, those arrogent American loving people might cause trouble!
snicker
See the Eiffel Tower before it becomes a minaret and Dhimmi like you aren't allowed on it.
My stock recommendation : P&G Europe. Soap sales are bound to sky rocket!
Tripling sales to 6 bars a month isn't going to affect P&G much.
I kinda like to vacation where the people there want me and treat me with respect. I wouldnt take a free trip to France.
Note that the Frogs are appealing to Blue State America. Kerry Country.
France could wage a national awareness campaign.
I had the opportunity to work in France for a year. I turned it down, and took another assignment in Antwerp and Brussels... Even the Belgians can't stand French arrogance.
Will the ads mention the extra fees they will pay for landing in or taking off from France no matter what airline you use?
Ooooh, I'm not sure that is allowed in Islamic culture. Heads may role over this ad.
Our choice is the UK, Oz, and Switzerland (Lake Luzern). Been to those countries several times.
Better be same sex couple, those could be fooled or excited. Oh, and frenchies should play those car burning flicks in reverse to show that everything was undone and is back to normal, seriesly!
We were in France for a week in 1996. We had a good time, saw a lot of stuff and glad we could see it. I wouldn't travel anywhere right now, let alone let someone smell my stinky feet HERE in the USA. I'm not not going anywhere because of the Nazification we have here. The "good old days" are gone folks, but only if we let them take them away. BBBAAAHHHH (French for sheep)
All for the "common good" as per the UN
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