France sees recovery in tourism in 2010

France, one of world's top tourism destinations, estimates a better performance of the key tourism business this year after receiving higher number of foreign holidaymakers, a government official said on Friday.

"We can say 2010 summer showed a real out of the crisis following a 3 percent increase in French tourists and 10 percent jump in the number of foreign holidaymakers," said Herve Noveli, Tourism Secretary of State.

The lion share of tourists visiting the European country came from Russia which had provided 54.3 percent of the total number of foreign holidaymakers flooding to Paris since May, according to Noveli which did'nt give accurate figures.

The number of Chinese tourists jumped by 48.3 percent. China is expected to provide more than 100 million tourists worldwide next year.

However, tourists from the neighbouring European countries especially from Britain and the Netherlands fell by 4.9 percent and 3.2 percent respectively as the euro crisis forced them to tighten their belts.

"Tourism sector's results are very satisfying and will help France to be back on the path to of growth and job creation," Herve added.

As much as 76 percent of hotel managers are optimistic about the sector performance while 82 percent of camping responsible were upbeat on the outlook of tourism business, according to the government official.

France is the most visited country in the world, receiving 82 million foreign tourists annually due to its wealth history and abundant cultural and natural heritages.

It targets to lure higher number of holidaymakers 2014 thanks to a diversification of its offers and upgrading hotels and services

"We must improve the quality of reception, quality of tourism infrastructure and promote further French destination... Our strategy is to develop these three factors to attract even more tourists in France," the tourism secretary of state added.

Tourism accounts for 6 percent of the country's gross domestic product.

Source: Xinhua