The number of Indian tourists, who had visited France in 2018, could cross the 8 lakh figure, French envoy Alexandre Ziegler said Thursday.
In 2017, France received a staggering 89 million visitors, with preliminary figures for 2018 indicating over 90 million visitors, Ziegler said.
"Over 700,000 (7 lakh) Indian tourists visited France in 2017 - twice the number as compared to 2014. In 2018, this figure should cross 8 lakh," he said.
"I believe this is just the beginning of a trend. Over the past five years, Indian visa applications to France registered a 180 per cent increase, a striking upsurge demonstrating that France is ever growing in popularity," Ziegler said.
He said in 2018, the number of visa applications grew by 15 per cent as compared to 2017, underpinned by a 43 per cent increase in applications from South India (Consulate of Puducherry).
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"France is a unique land with a wide array of destinations. And, I think that's the reason behind Indian tourists coming in increasing numbers," Ziegler said.
"We are very honoured to witness this upward trend and it is a priority to facilitate Indian tourism in France. Since 2015, we have been issuing visas within 48 hours. In fact, last December, the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs himself highlighted that our priority was to build up French expertise on welcoming Indian tourists in France," he said.
He also said a seminar with French professionals will be held soon in Paris, with special focus on welcoming Indian weddings.
"Indeed, professional trips account for over 30 per cent of Indian tourists and we know that France has all it takes to attract more Indian weddings," Ziegler elaborated.
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