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Early results announced by Maison de la France, the French Government Tourist office, indicate that 78 million foreign travelers visited France in 2006, a 2.7% increase from 2005. Figures for American visitors held steady at 3.1 million. France remains the number-one tourist destination in the world and the second most popular destination for Americans traveling to Europe.
Although the number of American visitors was stable, their spending increased by 4% from 2005. Travelers from the U.S. spent an impressive 5.9 billion dollars during an average stay of 7.9 days per visitor.

“We are looking forward to a healthy increase of foreign visitors this year, including that of American visitors, which we predict to be around 4%.” said Jean-Philippe Pérol, Director of the Americas of Maison de la France. “Several exceptional events and new promotional efforts should translate into a strong year for American and other foreign travelers to France.” Pérol went on to say, “Let me first mention two milestone events of great Franco-American importance: the dedication on June 6, 2007 of the Normandy Cemetery Visitor Center on the 63rd anniversary of the D-Day landings and the 250th anniversary of the birth of the Marquis de La Fayette.”

Significant new promotional efforts mentioned by Jean-Philippe Pérol are directed toward the traveling public and travel professionals. In keeping with its niche-marketing strategy, Maison de la France introduced in December 2006 the first edition of a high-end FranceGuide Prestige. The elegant 56-page magazine is designed for the affluent American traveler who expects the best, including exclusive and unique experiences, in all aspects of his journey. The magazine features world-renowned classics along with lesser-known jewels for accommodations, gastronomy, fashion, shopping, nightlife, and architecture and design. FranceGuide Prestige also includes interviews and comments on French lifestyle and luxury from the travel industry’s most prestigious and successful leaders. A new edition will be introduced in the fall of 2007.

Maison de la France will also feature on its website a fun new section called Lost in Francelation, a VLOG (video blog), which will be online starting March 2007. Two Americans, who know and love France well, will anchor and post “webisodes.” They will share their experiences, surprises and encounters on a wide range of topics in video clips shot entirely in France. Visitors will be invited to read the hosts’ blog as well as to post their own videos and comments. From what’s new and trendy to hot tips on French destinations, Lost in Francelation will offer a fresh look at France and bust a few clichés along the way.

Another new feature, “webinars,” is geared towards travel agents.  Maison de la France, in partnership with Travel Agent Magazine, will offer virtual road shows, or online seminars. Faced with an increasingly demanding and time-sensitive job, agents can improve their knowledge of France through three online seminars in 2007.  The first seminar will be held March 21 with the participation of the regions of Brittany and Normandy along with the Caen Memorial and Avanti Tours. A video will be shown with presentations from all partners followed by a live online Q&A session.

Along with other Maison de la France publications, including the popular annual travel planners FranceGuide, FranceGuide for the Jewish Traveler and FranceGuide for the Gay Traveler, the French Government Tourist Office makes available to consumers and travel agents several regional publications that can be ordered online. Frequent campaigns featuring special deals, sweepstakes and other promotional events are also available at www.franceguide.com