Fury as Paris closes last tourist office and tells visitors to go on TikTok
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Paris has closed its last remaining bricks-and-mortar tourist office in favor of promoting tourism and giving local advice on TikTok and Instagram. Last week, the City of Love shut the doors on its only remaining physical tourist office near the Eiffel Tower on Quai Jacques-Chirac. From now on tourists are encouraged to get inspiration from social media platforms instead.
The decision has drawn criticism as many see the move as prioritising digital tourism over face-to-face advice in a way which may particularly impact older visitors. Corinne Menegaux, the tourist office’s general director, defended the decision — citing declining foot traffic and emerging tourism trends, according to The Telegraph.
“Visitor behaviour has changed, particularly in favour of digital technology,” Ms Menegaux told Le Parisien, a French newspaper. “Tourists, especially the younger generations, want information immediately, now, wherever they are ... The single-point model is no longer the most effective.”.
Now, tourists will need to head to Instagram or TikTok for advice and information about things to see, do and eat in the French capital. Over recent years the Tourist Office has experienced a significant reduction in funding, leading to budget cuts. In addition, last year, the tourist office saw 150,000 visitors pass through its doors, compared to 574,000 in 2015.
Stéphane Villain, president of the National Federation of Institutional Tourism Organisations, said to Le Monde newspaper: “The human element is central to travel. Digital technology is no substitute for meeting someone who can advise you, reassure you and answer your questions.”.
