Challenges and strategy for the hotel industry in Paris and Ile-de-France, by Othman Nasrou

3 min reading time

Published on 04/05/17 - Updated on 17/03/22

othman nasrou, vice-president action internationale et tourisme région île-de-france

At the Global Lodging Forum, a key event for the hospitality industry, Othman Nasrou, Vice president Île-de-France, offered an introduction. He reminded attendees of the importance of dialogue between sector professionals and political actors, as well as the actions that were recently undertaken.

"Because of the terrorist threat, 2016 was a particularly difficult year; it was also an opportunity to launch new initiatives. The sector is currently undergoing change and is marked by the emergence of new players. Together with Valérie Pécresse, president of the Île-de-France region, we wish to create an environment that is favorable to the industry in order to develop business. In this perspective, several measures have been taken such as improving reception (through tourism volunteers), taking security measures (by developing mobile commissariats at tourist sites), developing a City Pass (a travel pass that includes a cultural and or commercial offer and gives access to fairs – business clientele are very interested in this offer). We have also focused our efforts on promotion and communication (8 million euros invested). Finally, in terms of digital transition a new new tourism fund was created. It was redesigned to be reactive for paying subventions. It is important to understand that we need projects and that it is up to you to tell us how we can be useful and where we need to concentrate our efforts."

"As part of the Grand Paris project, we need to study the new districts that will be developed and ensure that at least one third of futures stations will be in real neighborhoods. We are committed to a new tourism and leisure development scheme to define the long-term strategy. As a public sphere, we are aware of the current challenges and are available to assist. In terms of tourism, we wish to concentrate our financing on structuring projects."

"In terms of territorial organization and (especially within the framework of the NOTRe law  or law for the New Organization of the Republic ), with the city of Grand Paris we have added a territorial stage while we consider that there was once already too much with the city of Paris. We hope everyone will stand behind the brand Paris-Région. The NOTRe law was, in reality, a small step; it is necessary to have a shared legislative evolution and a tourism office in the Île de France, as there is for transportation."

"We are co-financing investment projects. There is a budget of 10 million euros in the tourism fund that we have decided to invest in modernization, digital transition and tourism security. In terms of public tourism investment, we are the only public organization supporting these budgets."

"As for the Olympics, it is necessary to be cautious but we have a good dossier. Los Angeles has presented a serious dossier, but we have good prospects. It is important to observe that these events result in a deadline for realizing the Grand Paris Express and that does not exclude organizing a World Exposition. We support these two projects massively."
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