French VIP Gala Dinner in Kuala Lumpur to Promote French Tourism
2017, a millésime for the Malaysian market
The performance of tourist arrivals from Malaysia bounced back in 2017. Atout France (France Tourism Development Agency that is responsible for France’s worldwide promotions and tourism economy development) expects the number to touch above 160,000 visitors from Malaysia compared to 120,000 the year before.
To celebrate the good year of French tourism targeted for the Malaysian market, Atout France organised a VIP gala dinner together with the French Embassy in Malaysia, feting guests who were mainly travel trade representatives, media officials, and top senior executives from major Malaysian companies. The iconic French lifestyle is highlighted by two representatives from the famous French cabaret Lido located in Champs-Elysée. Marseille, the second French largest city, also sponsored the dinner.
“Hard work pays off! I am glad to see that the marketing strategy developed by Atout France and the French Embassy in Malaysia were well perceived by Malaysian public,” said the Ambassador of France to Malaysia His Excellency Mr. Frederic Laplanche.
“About 500 travel agents were trained to better package France through seminars, workshops, and familiarisation trips to France. We now operate beyond Kuala Lumpur to cities like George Town in Penang where an interesting travel trade is willing to sell France packages. Also, over 30 Malaysian journalists/bloggers were invited to discover an off-beaten-track France this year. 2017 made us optimistic: we will try to reach the milestone of 200,000 Malaysian travelers welcomed to France next year,” he added.
Destination Paris
France is synonymous with lifestyle, culture, gastronomy, shopping, romance, from the dreamy River Seine and beautiful Parisian skyline to the spectacular sunsets in the countryside regions.
And there is no better time to experience France with a significant other than during Christmas. This is when France shines at its brightest, and loved ones gather over warm meals, pick out presents for one another and share their hopes and dreams for the coming year.
France remains the world’s most visited destination that welcomed 82.6 million visitors in 2016 and might reach between 88 and 89 million by the end of 2017. French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian has set the target of 100 million by 2020. Investments in infrastructure such as the EUR500 million marked for Marseille Airport and constant promotions are planned for the next two years.
France experienced a dramatic decrease of 15% in terms of tourist arrivals from Malaysia in 2016 due to the unfavourable exchange rate and the two-route Kuala Lumpur-Paris cancellations from Air France and Malaysia Airlines. Malaysian travellers are the Parisian department stores’ top 10 biggest spenders.
About The Author
Leave a Reply