The French government has announced a series of measures to support the tourism industry, including tax benefits, in an attempt to enlarge the sector.

Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin said tourism could potentially create around 100,000 jobs per year: “We must make tourism a lever for employment and the overall popularity of France.”

France is currently third on the worldwide tourism ladder, behind America and Spain. “We must return to second place”, said Gilles de Robien, tourism minister. “And why not first place in term of takings,” he added, at a committee press briefing.

La Maison de la France, the French tourism authority is to have its budget increased by 40 per cent, which would represent 4m euros.

Other measures to support the industry include incentives for investment in tourism accommodation, an easing of tax on seasonal lettings and an annual meeting of all leaders in the industry – in both professional and private sectors.

A tourism official will be appointed in every region to steer the direction of tourism in that department. A “Plan Quality France” will be implemented in order to make the country a clear number one tourist choice.

A new tourism code is being prepared and will be completed by the end of the year. Details: www.franceguide.com