The traditional tourist office is struggling in the digital age, exemplified by Paris’s closure of its last reception point. While many tourists adapt by using online resources, concerns remain about the impact on the city’s image. Some visitors still find the absence of physical information hubs detrimental. In contrast, tourist offices in regions like Brittany continue to thrive, showcasing the importance of personalized service and local promotion, as evidenced by rising visitor numbers.
Is the Traditional Tourist Office Facing Extinction?
In this age of digital transformation, the traditional tourist office seems to be on shaky ground. Paris recently bid farewell to its last tourist reception point, which was situated on the Quai Jacques-Chirac in the 15th arrondissement. However, tourists, both French and international, who were surveyed at the Trocadéro on Tuesday morning appeared largely unfazed by this change. “There are countless ways to discover Paris beyond tourist offices,” one traveler noted. An American visitor echoed this sentiment, stating, “I planned everything myself.” A Spanish traveler added, “I know where I want to go. I found all the information online and through social media.”
The Impact on Paris’s Image
Despite the nonchalance of some tourists, the closure of these offices may negatively impact Paris’s image, as highlighted by visitors from Cyprus. “No, it’s useful for us, especially since we’re here without a guide. An information hub would be incredibly beneficial,” they remarked. A local Parisians echoed their concerns, stating, “Furthermore, we see Paris’s reputation declining internationally. This might not help matters.”
As foot traffic dwindled over the years, these reception points became less frequented. Pierre Rabadan, president of the Paris tourist office, acknowledged this transformation: “It’s a strategy that is evolving.” The pivot to digital solutions has been a significant factor in this decline, with visitor numbers decreasing to a quarter of what they used to be in the last decade. “We observed that these reception points attracted fewer visitors over time. It’s a changing strategy,” Rabadan pointed out. However, assistance is still accessible near popular tourist attractions through kiosk operators who provide QR codes. Once scanned, the codes reveal an interactive map, mirroring strategies used in cities like New York and London.
Similar closures have occurred in other regions of France, such as Cotentin and Yvelines, but in areas like the mountains and Brittany, tourist offices continue to play a vital role. For instance, the communication efforts for the 39-45 memory museum in Plougonvelin, Finistère, emphasize the importance of these offices. “We pay around 7,000 euros annually. For that price, I can’t imagine receiving the same level of service from the private sector,” remarked manager Arnaud Coquil.
Meanwhile, Arnaud Dubois, the director of the ‘Iroise Bretagne’ tourist office, along with his team of 14, actively promotes the region. He even travels to meet tourists in a van during the summer months. “My role is to showcase and reveal that there’s more to this area than just islands. For five consecutive years, we’ve seen growth in our figures, evidenced by increased overnight stays. We’ve set a record again this year,” he proudly stated, noting that 50,000 visitors came to the Brittany-Iroise tourist offices last year.