Clément Bargain, edited by Alexandre Dalifard 06h15, March 29, 2023

On Tuesday, a 10th day of mobilization against the pension reform took place throughout France with 740,000 demonstrators in the streets. These gatherings impact tourism activity. 95% of Parisian hotel and restaurant professionals observe a drop in attendance in their establishments.

The mobilization against the pension reform weighs down tourism activity in the capital. 95% of Parisian hotel and restaurant professionals have observed a drop in attendance in their establishments since the beginning of the events. This is what emerges from a survey conducted by the Groupement des Hôtelleries et Restaurations de Paris Ile-de-France. In an already complicated economic context, this is the final blow for professionals.

>> READ ALSO - Retreats: organizations denounce bans on night gatherings in Paris

21% cancellation on average in the hotel and restaurant industry

On vacation in Paris for the week, Sabrina hesitated for a long time to cancel her trip. This Belgian was not very reassured at the idea of coming to the French capital. "We hesitated to cancel because of the demonstrations, but finally we came. Because we told ourselves that there would be no transport, that we would be bothered to do what we wanted. I hope it will work out because for the France, it's not a pretty picture," she said.

An image that has repercussions in this hotel. In recent weeks, cancellations have multiplied. Behind the reception, Laure is somewhat disillusioned. "I have cancellations of foreign tourists who, out of fear, prefer to postpone their stay. Especially retired people who come from the United States," says this employee. On average, the hotel and restaurant sector has 21% cancellations.

>> READ ALSO - "Angry youth": Sorbonnard students still mobilized against pension reform

Manager of a café restaurant located just opposite the Saint-Michel fountain, Louis welcomes mainly tourists. "It's 14 p.m. and I've done five covers whereas normally I do about fifty. We have a significant drop in turnover every day of the week. The cash flow is starting to fall in a really worrying way," laments the trader. Especially since the protest movement is bogged down as the spring break begins next week.