WITH an eye on the small but high-potential market of South-east Asia, Paris is expanding its promotions beyond traditional markets into the Philippines and Vietnam this year.
For the third year, Paris Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (CVB) last week held a sales mission in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia and included a stop in the Philippines for the first time.
Nicolas Lefebvre, managing director of Paris CVB, said: “The size of Indonesia’s population and the economic development in South-east Asian countries are the potential we see. Apart from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, we are also looking at the Philippines and Vietnam as big markets (to nurture) next.” The CVB regards Singapore as a mature market.
Indonesian arrivals have been fewer compared to the number of tourists from Malaysia and Thailand, but Lefebvre sees growth potential in the market over the next five to 10 years. Altogether, the three countries sent 300,00 arrivals to Paris in 2014.
Apart from increasing arrivals, Paris aims to grow the average length of stay, and attracts FITs and MICE groups with new and revitalised products.
Lido de Paris, for example, is launching a new show in April, and Baroque-style Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte will recreate France in the 17th century with candlelit dinners and themed events.
Besides Paris CVB, Parisian suppliers like Azurever Tours and Activities are cosying up to the market. The company opened a Bangkok office to “get closer” to South-east Asia.
Founder and CEO, Arnaud Calteau, said the aim was to capture not just Thailand “but also other markets like Malaysia and Indonesia”.
