'Record year' hope for French tourism
Initial figures suggest Arab unrest earlier this year has encouraged more holidaymakers to stay in France this summer
TOURISM officials are looking forward to what they claim will be a bumper year, with more people choosing to stay in France for their summer break.
Industry body Protourisme, which represents hotelkeepers, tour operators and campsite owners, says early reservations are at exceptionally high levels.
The group says the unrest in Egypt, Tunisia and Syria earlier this year has meant that one million French tourists who would normally head to North Africa are staying in France.
Protourisme director Didier Arino told France Info that the trend in recent years for holidaymakers to book at the very last minute appeared to have stopped. Among the most population destinations are Arcachon and Biscarrosse, both on the Atlantic coast.
The news comes as the winners of this year's Pavillon Bleu beach cleanliness awards are announced.
Some 358 beaches around France will fly a blue flag this summer, up from 341 last year, with new additions including Royan (Charente-Maritime) and Banyuls-sur-Mer (Pyrénées-Orientales).
The eco-label recognises clean beaches with toilets, good disabled access, safe and clean sea water and plenty of rubbish collection facilities. Mairies pay to enter their beaches in the scheme, meaning many do not take part. The scheme has been running since 1985.
The Languedoc-Roussillon remains the top region in France for blue flag beaches, with 26 towns awarded, followed by Paca on 20.
