Paris (AFP)

France hopes to receive 50 million foreign visitors this summer, mainly from Europe while the "distant" international clientele should still remain largely absent, says Secretary of State for Tourism Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne in an interview with the Journal of Sunday.

"This year, we hope to welcome 50 million foreign tourists, against 35 million last year, and 90 million in 2019. The summer is therefore full of hope", underlines Mr. Lemoyne.

"A local European clientele is there: Germans, Dutch, Belgians ... On the other hand, the British, like last summer, come less, because their government has set up a strict fortnight on their return," he explains. he.

For its part, the "distant" international clientele, crucial in particular for Paris, may still be largely lacking: "A few Americans have been returning since June, but Asian tourists will not be seen again before 2022. And Paris still suffers from the lack of tourism in France. 'business,' adds the Secretary of State.

Good news, however, "as many business events are planned for September-December 2021 as in 2019. With a downside, because event professionals predict a 50% drop in the area of ​​rented stands," he continues. .

Many French people should also choose to spend their holidays in France.

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"In 2020, 94% of French people who went on vacation had chosen France. This year, they are already 80%. And with the occurrence of the fourth wave in the four corners of the world, many finally choose to rediscover our territories. They will undoubtedly be around 85% ", indicates the Secretary of State.

French expatriates wishing to return to national soil will also be able to submit their request "from this week" to obtain the health pass, explains Mr. Lemoyne.

In practice, it will suffice to send proof of vaccination (for vaccines approved by the European Union or their equivalents), with an identity document and proof of residence abroad to receive a QR code.

The Secretary of State warned, however, that the dissemination of the health pass would not necessarily be synonymous with a general lifting of health restrictions.

"The health pass is the first tool which makes it possible to fight against the epidemic. Its principle is precisely to avoid traditional braking measures. However, the virus is the permanent unexpected and we will continue to have a territorialized management. of the response, "he said.

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