France hit by tourist boycott

News Scotsman ^ | April 16 2003 | JIM MCBETH

[knighthawk]

JACQUES Chirac’s opposition to the war in Iraq and the desecration of Allied graves by anti-British vandals have ended France’s reign as the UK’s favourite holiday destination.

A loss of 300,000 visitors and a 25 per cent drop in bookings in a month mean Spain is now officially Britain’s top tourist venue after 14 years in second place.

The French president’s anti-war stance and the "cheese-eating surrender monkeys" factor in the United States has also caused a decline in the number of US tourists. Tension between the UK and France increased two weeks ago when protesters desecrated a cemetery in northern France, daubing memorials with graffiti.

Holidaymakers are actively boycotting France, according to Holidaylets.net, which has 2,000 homes to rent.

Internet searches for France have dropped significantly, according to Ross Hugo, the managing director, who said his sales teams have indicated French attitudes, and the unsavoury incident involving Second World War graves had hardened attitudes.

"Our understanding is that this [drop[ is due to political tensions," he added.

Around 12.6 million Britons have visited Spain in the last year while visits to France fell to 11.7 million from more than 12 million. Owen Davies, the marketing director of the Individual Travellers’ Company, said: "Spain has held up well but France is down."

A spokeswoman for the French tourist office in London admitted UK bookings were "sluggish" and that there had been a downturn in US visitors.

But some British companies are describing the "downturn" as a drastic decline.

And Chez Nous, a leading seller of French accommodation, has had cancellations since the war began, where customers said Mr Chirac’s "obstruction" was the reason.

Another French firm - Bonnes Vacances Direct - said anti-French media coverage had noticeably affected inquiries.

Marcelle Spell, of Holiday-rentals.com, added: "If a third of French people - as reports have suggested - wanted Saddam to win, and they go on desecrating war graves, then there may be a bad reaction."

By the time the war started, the major tour operators had reduced the number of international holidays on offer by 15 per cent.

Some smaller companies took the same defensive tactic, but inevitably it has led to special deals aimed at enticing holidaymakers.

One holiday, an activity break in the Dordogne, which includes archery, sailing, abseiling and windsurfing, has been discounted by nearly £1,000.

The £1,500 holiday is on offer to a family of five for £500 for a week on full board.

As well as philosophical reasons not to travel to France, the industry worldwide has been badly affected, especially on long-haul holidays, which may need to fly over trouble spots.

Many British holidaymakers have taken a decision not to travel or at least delay their foreign holiday this year because they perceive going abroad in the present climate of global uncertainty may not be safe.

George Ellis, the chairman of Canvas holidays in Scotland, one of the major tour operators to France, said: "Short breaks and camping holidays to France are 17 per cent down and self catering is between 8 per cent and 14 per cent down.

Mr Ellis, who is also chairman of the Association of British Tour Operators to France, which has 180 member companies offering holidays, added: "There’s no doubt the Iraq war has affected the holiday trade in general.

"But, in the case of France, there are two other factors, which may help the situation. The first is that, when the events in Iraq settle, France may be viewed as a safe place to holiday because of its anti-war stand.

"Second, there are a lot of Britons who did not agree with the war against Iraq and they well be will be sympathetic to France’s attitude and decide to go there.

"That combination may produce a comeback later in the season, but as to the strength of that comeback, that is anyone’s guess.

"And there isn’t anything to indicate that 2004 is going to be a bumper year even though things tend to settle down eventually."

A spokesperson for the French tourist office said she "was confident that France will hold its own", but she admitted her organisation had delayed a major family holiday marketing campaign for at least another month.

[knighthawk]

Europe-list

If people want on or off this list, please let me know.

[knighthawk]

Ping

[Teacher317]

Hit 'em again, har-der, har-der!
Goooo team!

No more Tower,
no more wine,
France is gonna
pay this time!

[RobFromGa]

danker shane and mercy bowcoops...

[demsux]

Maybe people aren't boycotting?

Maybe they are afraid of what could happen to them (eg., terrorism) in a country ruled by pussies.

[GregB]

Let them eat cake.....Cheese cake....

[Jorge]

...visits to France fell to 11.7 million from more than 12 million.

This doesn't look like such a huge drop to me....

[knighthawk]

It's the thought that counts.

[NathanR]

"But, in the case of France, there are two other factors, which may help the situation. The first is that, when the events in Iraq settle, France may be viewed as a safe place to holiday because of its anti-war stand.

Riight... Paris was not safe before 911 and is not safe now. In fact, I suspect that the worst parts of Paris are worse than the worst parts of New York City and will get even worse as time goes on.

However, there might actually be reason to see Paris now, instead of later, if you want to see it before all of it becomes an Islamic wasteland, instead of just part.

[PeoplesRep_of_LA]

Well to be certain Americans would be quite safe in Paris from their worst neighborhoods, where there any reason for someone to travel to France, because the criminal Parisians would be so surprised and intimidated by a masculine biped that they would undoubtedly drop what weapon they had and run away.

[Dustbunny]

Excellent !!!!!

[Publius6961]

Riight... Paris was not safe before 911 and is not safe now. In fact, I suspect that the worst parts of Paris are worse than the worst parts of New York City and will get even worse as time goes on.

You are right.
Between 1972 and 1993, there was a noticeable deterioration in Paris. By 1993, the last time I was there, my impression is that the number of murders and rapes per month in Paris was pretty much the number of deaths we saw in Iraq in the last month.

And yes, the sandmaggots were responsible for about 80% of it.
The 800-pound gorilla in the living room.

[Textide]

and the "cheese-eating surrender monkeys" factor in the United States

Groundskeeper Willie scores again!

[bfree]

Just wait until this summer when the Americans stay home or go to friendly countries. Destroy our enemies, in this case economically.

[xp38]

I have been to France twice in 1995 and 1996. Not been back since. In 96 all throughout the country the train baggage storage and lockers were closed due to bombings by Algerian terrrorists.

[Beelzebubba]

"...when the events in Iraq settle, France may be viewed as a safe place to holiday because of its anti-war stand.."

As long as you stay away from the Muslim-dominated Parisian neighborhoods where gang rapes of non-Muslim women are too common. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/881049/posts

[maggief]

Marcelle Spell, of Holiday-rentals.com, added: "If a third of French people - as reports have suggested - wanted Saddam to win, and they go on desecrating war graves, then there may be a bad reaction."

Quelle surprise!!!

[prairiebreeze]

"Our understanding is that this [drop[ is due to political tensions," he added.

Can't get anything past this guy.

Prairie

[litehaus]

Thougt that was "mercy buckets".........

[prairiebreeze]

This summer and for many summers to come.

Prairie

[stands2reason]

��5{��������er walk Compton at night rather than one of these "cités" in broad daylight...This article Barbarians at the Gates of Paris describes those areas...a nightmarish read...

[stands2reason]

��5{��������er walk Compton at night rather than one of these "cités" in broad daylight...This article Barbarians at the Gates of Paris describes those areas...a nightmarish read...

[stands2reason]

Aarrgghh! Sorry for that last post...it begins "I'd rather walk Compton..."

[stands2reason]

Most crime isn't reported in France....the cops discourage victims from complaining and won't go to the bother of filing paperwork of some reported crimes..."they'd just get off anyway"--of course they're right about that...

[fightinJAG]

Another French firm - Bonnes Vacances Direct - said anti-French media coverage had noticeably affected inquiries. Oh, it's the media's fault, not the fault of the French government and their despicable "stand."

[Grampa Dave]

Besides no vacations we can B$tch Slap the French for the rest of this decade by boycotting their products and services.

French Products to Buycott

We can resist their wines which usually come in behind the good Napa Valley Wines and Australian wines in blind tasting without French Judges like in the Winter Olympics.

We can do without French Products and services for the rest of this decade. Here is a list of French companies and their products to avoid for the rest of this decade. Please keep this list and send it to your relatives, friends and fellow conservatives via e and snail mail!

*New additions to the list.

Air France

Air Liquide

Airbus

Alcatel - Based in Paris France, Provider of communications equipment, including ADSL equipment, terrestrial and submarine optical networks, public switching, fixed wireless access and intelligent networks.


Allegra (Allergy Medication) - Produced by Aventis Pharmaceuticals based in Strasbourg, France

Aqualung (Including: Spirotechnique, Technisub, US Divers, and SeaQuest)

AXA Advisors

*Bacou-Dalloz-Makes Industrial protective devices

Bank of the West - Owned by BNP Paribas

Beneteau (boats)

BF Goodrich - Owned by Michelin

BIC (Razors, Pens & Lighters) - Started in 1945 by Marcel Bich. Originally based just outside of Paris. Began trading on the Paris Stock Exchange in 1972. 40.5% Publicly traded. Bich family still owns 33.5%.

Biotherm (Cosmetics)

Black Bush

Bollinger (Champagne)

*Browning Firearms**

Car & Driver Magazine

Cartier

Chanel

Chivas Regal (Scotch)

Christian Dior

Club Med (Vacations) - Owned in part by Paris based CDC (Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations)

Culligan (owned by Vivendi)

Dannon (Yogurt & Dairy Foods)

*Danone -Lea and Perrin, Evian and other food/water

*Decatholon Super Sport Stores or MVP Sport Stores*

* Dassault Systemes-(CATIA design software)*

DKNY - LVMH acquired 100% of Gabrielle Studio Inc., the privately owned licenser of Donna Karan trademarks back in 2001.

*DMC THREADS

Dom Perignon

Durand Crystal

Elle Magazine

*Emile Henry French Cookware

*Enertec makes high speed recorders used in Recon aircraft p>Essilor Optical Products

Evian

Fina Oil - Billions invested in Iraqi Oil fields

First Hawaiian Bank

George Magazine

Givenchy

*Grey Goose Vodka

*GroupeSEB owns Krups, Moulinex, Roweta and Tefal Cookware

*Groupe Shneider, owner of Modicon and Square D

*Guerlain Fragrances

*Hachette Filipacchi owner publisher of many magazines sold in the USA. See the list below:***

Hennessy

Houghton Mifflin (books) International Herald Tribune - 181 ave Charles-de-Gaulle - F-92521 Neuilly - FRSource:World Business Council for Sustainable Development '00 [Domain Registration], [Corporate Profile]

Jacobs Creek - Owned by Pernod Ricard since 1989

Jameson (whiskey Owned by Pernod Ricard )

Jerry Springer (talk show)

Krups

****Lagardere****

Lancome

*Lea & Perrins a product of Danon

Le Creuset (Cookware)

L'Oreal (Health & Beauty Products)

Louis Vuitton

Marie Claire

Martel Cognac

Maybelline

Méphisto (Footwear & Apparel)

Michelin (Tires & Auto Parts) - Their phone number is: (33) 1 45 66 15 53 in France

Mikasa Crystal and Glass (purchased by ARC int'l in 2001)

Moet (Champagne)

Motel 6 - 33, Avenue du Maine- 75755 Paris Cedex 15 France

Motown Records

MP3.com

Mumms (Champagne)

Nissan (Cars) - Majority owned by Renault

Nivea

Normany Butter

Parents Magazine

*Perrier

Peugeot (Automobiles) - Pronounced "Pooh Joe", must be French

Pierre Cardin

Playstation Magazine

ProScan - Owned by Thomson Electronics, France

Publicis Group (Including: Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising)

RCA (televisions & electronics) - Owned by Thomson Electronics, France

Red Magazine

Red Roof Inns - Owned by the Accor group based in France

Renault (Automobiles) major owner of Nissan

Road & Track Magazine

Roquefort Cheese - All Roquefort cheese is made in France

Rowenta (Toasters, Irons, Coffee makers, etc)

Royal Canadian

Salomon (Skis)

Seagram's Gin

Sierra Software and Computer Games

*Sodexho Alliance* French Food Caterer for the US Marines

Sofitel (Hotels) - Owned by the Accor group based in France

Sparkletts (Water) - Owned by Danone, based in France

Spencer Gifts

Sundance Channel

Taylor Made (Golf)

Technicolor

T-Fal (Kitchenware)

The Glenlivet (Scotch) *Top Tobacco - Dist. by Republic Tobacco L.P., Glenview IL, made in France

UbiSoft (Computer Games)

Uniroyal

Uniroyal Tires - Owned by Michelin

Universal Studios (Music, Movies & Theme Parks) -

Universal Studios is owned by Vivendi-Universal, headquartered in Paris France

USFilter

Veritas Group

Veuve Clicquot Champagne

Vittel

Vivendi - Vivendi Headquarters, Paris France

Wild Turkey (bourbon)

*Winchester Firearms (US Repeating Arms)**

Woman's Day Magazine

Yoplait - France-based Sodiaal owns a 50% stake of Yoplait

Yves Saint Laurent

*Yves Rocher Cosmetics

*ZigZag (tobacco papers and roller products)*

Zodiac Inflatable Boats

*New additions to the list thanks to Freepers. If you have an addition, Freepmail me with the URL showing French ownership.

** Sad news but these two companies are owned by the Belgian Company Herstal, (French Light)

***List of 18 magazines sold in USA by Hachette Filipacchi with an estimated 50 million readers: American Photo, Boating, Car Stereo Review's Mobile Entertainment, Cycle World, ELLE Decor, ELLEgirl, Flying, Home, Metropolitan Home, Popular Photography, Premiere, Sound & Vision, Travel Holiday, Woman's Day Woman's Day Special Interest Publications.

****Lagardere owns the Virgin Megastore group in France, which it bought from Richard Branson three years ago. Its Hachette media division publishes a battery of magazines including Elle , see *** Hachette Filipacchi above. Lagardere also has a stake in the Airbus manufacturing operation. The company is capitalised at over €5bn based on last week's closing prices.****

[curmudgeonII]

One holiday, an activity break in the Dordogne, which includes archery, sailing, abseiling and windsurfing...

I have no idea what abseiling is but I'm not planning on doing it or anything else in Frnce.

[Victoria Delsoul]

As well as philosophical reasons not to travel to France, the industry worldwide has been badly affected, especially on long-haul holidays, which may need to fly over trouble spots.

LOL! I love this kind of news.

[knighthawk]

Abseiling is when you decend on a rope from a building or mountain.