Market Profile:  FRANCE

Rating:  Mature / Emerging

STRENGTHS:

The US continues to be the top long haul destination for French visitors.  The most visited US States are New York, Florida and California.  Washington State continues to develop its presence and tends to attract repeat French visitors.  Sea-Tac International Airport and Seattle are gateways to the state’s diverse landscapes and numerous national parks.  Visitors can easily combine culture with nature – two key drivers for French visitors. Top activities for French visitors to the US are dining/shopping and sight-seeing and exploring more rural areas of the state.  French travelers enjoy outdoor activities and are increasingly interested in Green/Eco-Tourism options – this represents a great opportunity to promote the state’s extensive range of outdoor activities.

CHALLENGES

Ease of access perception is a challenge as will continue to be addressed to raise awareness that the destination is only a ten hour direct flight away from Paris.  Slight language barrier – The French language brochure has been a valuable marketing tool.  Key attractions need to increase the number of materials they have available in French.  Developing interest in Washington vineyards:  The French are very proud of their own viniculture and are beginning to demonstrate a natural curiosity for Washington’s wine industry and “how things are done” in the US in regards to wine.

AIRLINES

Air France offers non-stop service Paris-Seattle. (Daily in summer, five times weekly in winter.)

There are a number of carriers offering flights to Seattle which involve only one stop,  Air Canada, KLM, British Airways, United and now IcelandAir.