The entire French tourism industry faces an uncertain future as cancellations flood in over violent unrest of recent days.
Six nights of violent protests across France following the fatal shooting of a teenager by a police officer has already impacted the nation's tourism industry which was rapidly recovering from the covid pandemic crisis.
Many countries around the world have urged their citizens to either take extra care or even completely avoid going to France because of the recent unrest, violence and looting that has erupted not only in the capital Paris but also in many other cities.
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office updated its travel advice, warning that since 27th June, riots have taken place across France. Many have turned violent. Shops, public buildings and parked cars have been targeted. There may be disruptions to road travel and local transport provision may be reduced. Some local authorities may impose curfews. Locations and timing of riots are unpredictable. You should monitor the media, avoid areas where riots are taking place, check the latest advice with operators when travelling and follow the advice of the authorities.
Whilst not issuing a stronger warning, the FCO did say, that British nationals should reconsider plans to attend big meetings and be aware of their surroundings at all times, and move away quickly from disturbances.
Netherlands Authorities advised, "since June 27, 2023, there have been riots in Paris and other major cities in France, including Toulouse, Lyon and Roubaix. Sometimes cars are set on fire, and fights can also take place between rioters and the French (military) police. In the evening, avoid suburbs of major French cities and follow the local news." Demonstrations take place regularly, especially in the larger cities. Sometimes violence can occur. Therefore, stay away from these demonstrations, it tells Dutch tourists.
China’s consulate in Marseille has warned tourists to be 'vigilant and exercise caution” after a bus carrying Chinese tourists was attacked with stones and rocks by protesters in the city, with a number being injured. The city has been shocked by the levels of violence on Friday and Saturday nights.
Australia updated its advice, saying that its citizens should exercise a high degree of caution. "Riots have occurred across France which have turned violent, leading to the destruction of property including vehicles, shops, police stations and schools. Clashes with police have occurred, resulting in the use of tear gas and arrests. Be particularly vigilant at night and avoid all demonstrations and areas with significant police activity. Curfews have been introduced in some cities. Public transport may be restricted or cancelled. The situation may change at short notice. Monitor the media and official sources for updates."
In general, the rioters initially targeted public and official buildings, high-end stores like Apple and electrical retailers, however on Friday and Saturday many other stores, including supermarkets and general shops were attacked along with hotels and restaurants.
Rioters, many in masks even rammed a car into the home of Vincent Jeanbrun, the mayor of L'Haÿ-les-Roses, which is a Paris suburb, not too far from Orly Airport. The protesters set fire to the house, while Jeanbrun's wife and young children (aged 5 and 7) slept upstairs. Many have commented locally that this was an 'assassination attempt' and condemned the action that left one of the children injured and Mrs Jeanbrun with a suspected broken leg as they tried to flee the attackers who shot fireworks at them.
Cette nuit, un cap a été franchi dans l'horreur et l'ignominie. Mon domicile a été attaqué et ma famille victime d'une tentative d’assassinat.
— Vincent Jeanbrun (@VincentJeanbrun) July 2, 2023
Ma détermination à protéger et servir la République est plus grande que jamais. Je ne reculerai pas. #PasPourRien #Emeutes ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/9HW1eAFCXN
President Emmanuel Macron cancelled a state visit to Germany that had been scheduled to start on Sunday because of the crisis, the latest in a series of issues to beset his presidency in recent months.
Violence has erupted elsewhere, including in the Swiss border city of Lausanne, where a number of shop windows were smashed, particularly in the Flon district and on rue de Genève on Saturday night, the local police said. Around 50 police officers were deployed to restore order and on a number of occasions, they were required to disperse youths who threw stones and rocks at them. A small number of rioters were arrested during the night the police advised in a statement.
London mayor Sadiq Khan said on Saturday he supported the illegal actions of Just Stop Oil telling PA news agency the group puts pressure on those who have power and influence.
On Saturday the French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire said that more than 200 supermarkets, 250 tobacconists, 250 banks and around 10 shopping malls had been ransacked and destroyed.
Jean-Luc Chauvin, leader of the Chamber of Commerce in the province of Marseille said: "All types of businesses have been targeted, especially those with valuable merchandise. A first estimate by insurers put damages at more than US$109 / £85 million, a number that will undoubtedly rise."
At least two fashion shows have been axed amid the unrest and authorities also cancelled other events like concerts and pride marches in some regions to prevent mass public gatherings.
Many believe the unrest and the images of Paris in flames and gangs ransacking stores, and setting fire to restaurants and supermarkets will put off people with future plans to travel to the city, especially from Japan and other Asian countries.
"We've already taken over 100 cancellations, some for this weekend, but mainly for later in July and in August," A Paris hotelier said on social media when asked what effect the riots were having.
Another hotel and cafe manager reported that their windows had been smashed and the cafe turned over in Paris on Friday night and guests had fled in tears.
Paris Tourist Office, Jean-François Rial commented that urban violence over the last few nights has triggered cancellations of reservations of stays by foreign customers, especially American, a clientele yet crucial for Paris. "Today in Paris, with the violence, we already have thousands of cancellations. At the beginning of July, I think we are already around 20-25% of cancellations in Paris on international customers and I would not be surprised if it is the same figures for the whole France."
In an interview with AFP Rial also believes the current and recent unrest could have a negative effect on the safety of the tourists ahead of the 2024 Olympic games. "Yes, there is a real risk. And this, even if it calms down because many tourists are allergic to the risk.
This is the second time in three months that we have serious incidents, there has already been the story of the garbage cans that burn in the spring during the demonstrations against the pension reform, which had a disastrous impact: we had seen in the wake a wave of thousands of cancellations of reservations, mainly hotel."
