There's a bit of good news in the otherwise gloomy economic outlook for tourism: travelers from BRIC countries are on their way. That would be wealthy Brazilians, Russians, Indians and Chinese.
They're coming to France, for example. The French Tourism Office, dubbed "Atout France," sponsored a luncheon and trade show for journalists and travel professionals (tour operators, travel agents) in Seattle yesterday. Seventy-five million visitors and counting, over 3 million from the US alone. We're not in the BRIC category, but Americans do tend to stay in nicer hotels, eat in fancier restaurants and spend a couple of extra days. Trouble is, only 20 percent of American visitors to France ever leave Paris. C'mon, folks, there's a whole country out there filled with gorgeous scenery, thriving towns, peaceful villages and great food. Granted not everyone speaks English, but still !
Meanwhile, the BRICs are on the move, and they absolutely love France. And guess what? They love the USA as well. Says Lisa Simon of the National Tour Association, "The BRIC nations are growing at a much greater rate than traditional inbound markets in Europe and will have a significant impact on the U.S. economy."
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