Atout Press release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 2019 – News from France

What’s new for 2020? New transport routes, accommodation, museums, shopping outlets, sporting events and facilities, tourism initiatives and anniversaries will set the tone for France in the coming year.

TOURISM FIGURES

With a record number of more than 90 million international visitors, France reaffirmed its status as the most visited destination in the world in 2018. Representing an increase of 4.3 million visitors since 2017.

The UK remained the main source market for inbound travellers to France in 2018 with 13 million tourist arrivals, representing a 2.4% increase on 2017. Brits are still the primary foreign clientele visiting France, representing 14.6% of the total number of international tourists, followed respectively by those from Germany, Belgium/Luxembourg and Switzerland.

France is still the second favourite holiday destination for British travellers (23% market share) behind and ahead of – as well as the second favourite for business trips (12% market share), behind Germany (13%). Europe remains the number one choice for British holidaymakers travelling abroad, with 84% visiting the continent in 2019. Spain continues to be the most popular destination for UK holidaymakers, with more than a third (38%) taking a trip there this year. For mini breaks (21% market share in 2018) and winter sports holidays, France remains the British number one.

British customers accounted for 84.1 million overnight stays in 2018, a 1.7% increase on 2017. Of these, 44% chose -Ile de France, followed by 12% for Auvergne- Rhône-Alpes, 10% for -Alpes-Côte d’Azur and 8% for Hauts-de-France.

For the first semester 2019, the latest INSEE statistics must be taken into account. Despite a decrease in the number of room nights compared to the first semester 2017, La Banque de France has reported a 4% increase in tourism expenditures compared to last year.

(Sources: DGE, Banque de France, Mintel and Enquête EVE)

Atout France press contact Anne Pedersen – Head of PR [email protected]

Atout France Press release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EXHIBITIONS & NEW CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

FASHION & DESIGN

LILLE METROPOLE, 2020 WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL Lille, Hauts-de-France 2020 The World Design Capital (WDC) is handpicked every two years by the World Design Organisation, to recognise a city’s innovative use of design to strengthen economic, social, cultural and environmental development. The World Design Capital provides a platform to showcase best practices in design-led urban policy and innovation in different domains including public transport, sustainable infrastructure, demographic evolution, mobility, renewable energies, and inclusive and transparent governance. Following City in 2018, Lille Metropole is taking over and will be the first French city to become World Design Capital. www.lillemetropoleworlddesigncapital2020.com/

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN EXHIBITION New exhibition Paris, Île-de-France 25 February to 26 July 2020 A landmark Christian Louboutin exhibition is set to open its doors in Paris in 2020, devoted to the work and creativity of the internationally renowned footwear designer and key figure in the fashion world. Coming to the Palais de la Porte Dorée in February, the retrospective will showcase a plethora of pieces from the designer. The exhibition will also “celebrate some of the greatest artists and artisans” who have been a constant point of inspiration to Louboutin, including director David Lynch and choreographer Blanca Li. www.palais-portedoree.fr/en/christian-louboutin-exhibition

REOPENING OF PALAIS GALLIERA FUTURE HOME OF THE FIRST PERMANENT FASHION EXHIBITIO