The tourist flow from Russia to France grew by 30% from the beginning of the year and to Paris - by 40%

“The tourist flow from Russia to France since the beginning of the year increased by 30% agaist the first half of 2016”, - told the Head of the French Agency for the development of tourism with Russia and CIS Inessa Korotkova. "We have a significant increase since the beginning of the year. According to hoteliers, the tourist flow from Russia increased by 30% to France and to Paris - by more 40%. Last year we hosted 600 thousand Russian tourists, so in this year, I think, the tourist flow will come close to the figure of one million", - she said. I. Korotkova reminded that from November 1 Schengen visas in the consulate of France in Russia will be guaranteed in 48 hours - this should promote the greater growth of the flow of Russian tourists to the country. "Russians make excursion tours to Paris and other cities all year round, they are interesting in gastronomy and wines. In winter Russian skiers choose the ski resorts of French Alps, in the summer - the beaches of the Côte d'Azur, Provence and other southern regions”, - she added. According to Rosstat, the tourist flow from Russia to France in the first half of the year increased by 27% (220 thousand) against the same period of the last year.