France back at TUR
After some years’ absence, France will now be coming back to TUR.
“TUR is by far the biggest meeting place for the tourist industry in Sweden. So, obviously we want to be there,” says Jeanette Johansson, Marketing Manager, French Tourism & Development, Stockholm.
TUR 2009 was a huge success, with 53,000 visitors and exhibitors from 103 countries. The next TUR fair, due to be held 25-28 March 2010, is already off to a flying start - several exhibitors will be exhibiting at TUR for the first time, and France and a number of other exhibitors will be coming back to TUR after an absence of some years.
“Although the fair is still several months off, we’ve already noted lots of interest in the event. We are, of course, very pleased that France - the most popular tourist destination in the world - has chosen to take part in TUR 2010. Besides which, our visitors have also missed France,” says Per Magnusson, Deputy Exhibition Manager of TUR.
Jeanette Johansson has high expectations of the upcoming TUR event.
“Swedes are generally very keen on France. We’re counting on meeting loads of interested visitors, both travel trade professionals and private individuals alike.”
In 2008, over half a million Swedes went to France. Although this equals only about two-thirds of one per cent of the number of people who visited France that year, the Swedes are important.
“They’ve got money to spend, they’re discerning and they’re keen on travelling individually. And this suits France as a destination. It will never be a country of mass charter tourism.”
The French stand at TUR will feature a range of exciting new destinations as well as many old favourites.
“France is so much more than sun, sand and big cities. We’d like to strike a blow for diversity. After all, there’s lots to experience besides Paris and the Riviera. It’s ideal for people who appreciate the countryside and want to get close to the French people. You can enjoy a walking holiday, cycle or even hire a river boat. Swedes also enjoy the everyday aspects of French life - shopping at the bakers, butchers and all kinds of local shops,” says Jeanette Johansson.
TUR, Scandinavia’s leading travel trade fair, has been arranged by the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre in Göteborg since 1984. The next TUR event will be held 25-28 March 2010.
For further information, please contact:
Per Magnusson, Deputy Exhibition Manager of TUR, Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre, tel +46 (0)31 708 86 76, e-mail: tur@svenskamassan.se.
Jeanette Johansson, Marketing Director, French Tourism & Development, tel +46 (0)8 566 112 20, e-mail: jeanette.johansson@franceguide.com