Paris is Ready to Welcome you Back on September 1!

Last Tuesday, a live conference was held to discover how Paris – the world's leading destination for large-scale events – is working to accommodate visitors from around the world under optimal health and safety conditions.

After a prolonged slump where the vast majority of destinations have seen their businesses blocked by the COVID-19 pandemic, Paris is preparing to reopen its trade fairs, congresses and other major events. For Viparis, this announcement was welcomed as a reflection of the confidence that the French government places in event management professionals.

To this end, Viparis, the subsidiary of the Paris Ile-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry, held a live conference with the participation of its CEO, Pablo Nakhlé Cerruti, the Managing Director of the Paris Region Tourist Board, Christophe Decloux, Managing Director of the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, Corinne Menegaux, Accor Group CEO for Europe Frank Gervais and Edward Arkwright, Deputy CEO of Paris Airport.

Just to give you an idea of how important the role the MICE industry plays for Paris, it is estimated that annually business events generate € 5.5 billion for the city. The exact sum expected from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. With the reopening of airports in the city, all hotel equipment and congress centers have gained a new vitality and it is because of this phased resumption, that the city tourism authorities are adopting new safety and hygiene measures.

Franck Gervais entered into an agreement with the city about 400 hotels represented by his group at three levels: safety, hospitality and reinvention and Edward Arkwright reported that air traffic levels comparable to pre-pandemic values would only be reached in 2021, 2022 and 2024, respectively for domestic, Schengen Area and international flights.

About the impact that this confinement brought to the city about 300 shows were shaken in the last five months, representing two thirds of the meetings predicted. Paris, including the region, is the only city in the world that holds the top spot in the two main tourist segments: leisure (recreation, culture and heritage) and business (congresses, trade shows and corporate events). The French capital is also a leading destination for large-scale events, whether in the fields of sports, culture or international diplomacy.

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