How does terror impact the Meetings Industry?

The attacks in Paris and the threats of terrorist actions in Brussels have of course had its impact on the events that had been scheduled there, as it had also affected other destinations before (Madrid, London, Tunisia…).  This been said, for how long will the impact last?  And have Paris authorities and event organizations taken measures to ensure safety?

According to tourism industry experts, terrorism has of course affected tourism negatively. However, the effects are expected to be short-lived. After the terrorist attacks in Paris there was a decline in the number of hotel bookings to the city. However the duration of this decrease was short, only one week. Right now, the number of bookings in Paris equals what was recorded in the similar period last year.

Thierry Hesse, President of UNIMEV, the French Meetings Industry Council, said that events will keep on taking place, albeit security measurements have been put at a higher level.Read here the Unimev press release

Exhibitions and Congresses scheduled are maintained. Viparis, the company managing 10 different venues in Paris (Le Palais de congrès de Paris among them), announced they have implemented all safety measures, and they are in permanent contact with police authorities. Given the context and in consultation with the French Government, Congrès et le Salon des Maires (see announcement here), as well as Salon européen de l'Education (see announcement here) and Educatec (see announcement here) have been postponed in 2016 in the same venue (Paris expo Porte de Versailles).

A document has been elaborated with the ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development in order to help tourism professionals answer questions from their customers about the measures that have been undertaken to ensure the safety of the French population and foreign visitors. Read the FAQ for tourism professionals