Conference & Meetings World Issue 120 | Page 47

Paris review

What ’ s Up Paris

LOUISA DALEY VISITS PARIS FOR ITS FIRST ‘ WHAT ’ S UP DAY ’ TO EXPLORE WHAT THE CITY CAN OFFER THE MICE INDUSTRY

T he Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau and Paris Region Tourism Board hosted its first ‘ What ’ s Up Day ’ from 1-3 July - an incentive programme created specifically for the MICE industry .

Across the three days , global suppliers and clients attended tours , presentations , and experiential dinners in the city to understand exactly what the French capital has to offer .
A destination for business To kick off What ’ s Up Day , I had the chance to chat with Corinne Menegaux , general manager , Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau and Michel Mari , manager for business tourism , Paris Region Tourism Board , to help set the scene for Paris and its outer regions .
“ Since April / May , Paris is showing strong signs of recovery following
Covid-19 . Our tourism figures are getting closer to 2019 ’ s performances and that ’ s applicable for both leisure , the events industry and business travellers .
“ Even during the pandemic , we were proving to still be very attractive . Our research found that Paris was still one of the number one tourism destinations ,” reveals Menegaux .
What exactly makes Paris an attractive destination ?, I ask . “ We share a lot of values with the world . Like us , everyone is focused on sustainability , technology , innovation , and inclusion . These are topics that encourage people to come to Paris ,” says Menegaux .
These topics were explored further on the tours available : ‘ A Shot of Green ’, ‘ Paris Local ’, ‘ Urban Culture ’ and ‘ Olympic Games ’.
For Mari , Paris is an attractive destination because of what it offers B2B business travellers . “ I think what
Above : Cityscape of Paris
“ Since April / May , Paris is showing strong signs of recovery following Covid-19 . Our tourism figures are getting closer to 2019 ’ s performances ” is unique is the hotels . We have approximately 160,000 rooms , and 80 % of those rooms are classified . That ’ s usually what we are talking about when we are trying to attract new events or new customers . The quality of hotels in the Paris region is unique , because it ’ s certified by our governmental office for tourism . Certification means quality ,” he says .
Menegaux agrees and says : “ Paris has quality venues that can host events of any size , such as congresses . For these large-scale events , we have found that delegate attendance is 30 % more than any other city .”
“ We are also attractive because we are an accessible city ,” continues Mari . “ We have lot of electric buses and trains , and public transport links that really can lead you to the main venues , even if you ’ re outside of Paris .”
Paris 2024 : creating legacy During my tours , I discovered that a key focal point for Paris is the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games , which is due to take place from 26 July-11 August 2024 . I had the opportunity to gain insight into how the venues and surrounding areas will be used for the Games .
“ The Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring so many people and iconic venues together ,” says Tony Estanguet , president , Paris 2024 and French Olympic athlete .
With Paris 2024 expecting to welcome three million spectators with tickets , and a further 12 million spectators without tickets , “ the Games are a perfect example of how everyone embraces the Games in the city ,” adds Menegaux .
To name just a few iconic sites and venues that will be involved , the opening ceremony of the Games will be held on the River Seine . While the Grand Palais will host fencing and taekwondo ; the Eiffel Tower will host beach volleyball ; and Champs de Mars Arena will host wresting and judo .
ISSUE 120 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 47