Chennai, October 11, 2017 – Atout France, Paris Regional Tourist Board, Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, together with Paris Aéroport, in the presence of His Excellency Mr Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India, today welcomed and announced the launch of Jet Airways’ non-stop service between Chennai – Paris-Charles de Gaulle, starting on October 29.
During the press conference, His Excellency Mr Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India, declared: I am delighted at the prospect of the upcoming launch of the non-stop Chennai to Paris Jet Airways flight. This new route will greatly enhance air connectivity between France and India, and thus the attractiveness of both our countries, which are bound by longstanding ties of friendship.
While we are keen on attracting more and more Indian travellers to our country, it is a positive step in increasing their volume. The launch of this direct service will also surely facilitate corporate travel from French and Indian industries that are based in Chennai and encourage corporate houses from the South of India to plan their next incentive/ corporate movement in our capital.”
The new service will operate 5 times per week and complement Jet Airways’ existing daily service between Mumbai and Paris-Charles de Gaulle.
In 2016, France received 552,000 Indian visitors to its shores and 136,000 excursionists, registering a significant increase over its arrival figures for visitors in 2014, which stood at 360,400 visitors. This indicates an encouraging increase of 53% in the number of Indian visitors. This steady rise in numbers is largely due to enhanced air connectivity, the persistent marketing and communication initiatives undertaken by Atout France and the ease of visa procedures as a result of which Indian visitors planning a French sojourn can now expect their visa within 48 hours.
The launch of Jet Airways Chennai – Paris flight comes at a very opportune time. The tourism landscape is currently highly conducive with an unprecedented number of almost 600000 Indians travelling to France in 2016. The figures have been on a relentless high in the last few years and the launch of this flight will only further augment this upward trend not only from the primary source market of Chennai but the kaleidoscope of other burgeoning source markets in the environs.
France remains the Number One tourism destination offering its visitors a plethora of ever evolving tourism experiences that appeal to the discerning Indian travellers” said Sheetal Munshaw, Director India of Atout France – France Tourism Development Agency.
France’s global appeal lies in the fact that it caters to all genres of travellers: family holidays, honeymoons, friends on a holiday, adventure enthusiasts, corporate and incentive travellers. Travellers can enjoy its myriad landscapes, its history, Art de vivre’ and its world renowned repertoire of prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival.
Ever more welcoming, innovative, greener and livelier, Paris is a vibrant and changing 21st century capital which charms and captivates all at once. Just nominated as the host city of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games, Paris invites Chennai to feel the energy!
Commenting on this new positive development, Nicolas Lefebvre, Managing Director Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, added This new link between India and Paris is really good news as the number of Indian visitors to France is growing rapidly. It gives Paris new opportunities to welcome more Indian visitors and present them with its diverse offering.”
France and India are increasingly well connected with a total of 31 weekly direct flights on Air France, Air India and Jet Airways. Paris-Charles de Gaulle is a world class hub with seamless connectivity and state-of-the-art services. The airport guarantees a smooth journey through a simple access to travel information and showcases unique offerings, the best of shopping (fashion,cosmetics, gastronomy) and culture reflecting the legendary French Art de Vivre. Right from touch down travellers can experience the highest hospitality standards ‘à la Francaise’.
Laure Baume, Executive Vice President of Paris Aéroport said: ‘We are glad to see Paris-Charles de Gaulle even more connected to India. Our aim is to anticipate the passengers’ needs to provide them with suitable solutions by showcasing the finest boutiques, cultural experiences, and moments of wonder. Their first contact with what French Art de Vivre is all about, is right here at the airport which is considered as the 21st district of Paris.’
Vinay Dube, Chief Executive Officer, Jet Airways, to add: “We are delighted to be the first airline to operate a non-stop service to Paris with our codeshare partners - Air France, KLM and Delta Air Lines. This flight will connect guests to as many as 50 destinations in Europe and 20 onwards in North America, highlighting our continued focus to expand connectivity from South India to meet the growing demand for travel from the region, to Europe and North America. We are confident that our guests will be happy to experience the best inflight hospitality on offer by India’s premier airline.”
