CASH VALUE OF TOURISM

Evening Star, Issue 20167, 6 May 1929, Page 11

CASH VALUE OF TOURISM

FRENCH CALCULATIONS The value in hard cash to a country of a famous beauty spot or natural feature is illustrated in the report just issued of tho French National Tourist Office by the case of Mont Blanc. A rough census taken in the year before tho war showed that 1,025,000 foreign tourists visited during the course of the twelve months the neighbourhood of that great mountain. Supposing on a moderate estimate, says the report, that each of these foreign tourists spent a paltry £2—for his night's lodging and for souvenirs—that would mean a revenue to Franco of over £2,000,000 per annum from Mont Blanc alone. Similar calculations might be made for Avignon. Carcassonne, and tho other historic cities of the Midi and Languedoc, . each of which has an enormous revenue-drawing power from the national point of view. Moreover, as some 2,000,000 foreign tourists come to France every year, the total revenue figures are such as to make, it is urged, “ tourism ” a principal French national industry—and particularly an importing industry. As an importing industry, the report points out, “ tourism ” differs from all others in two respects. Firstly, the imports have not to be balanced by any exports; they an; pure gain. Secondly, the “capital,” so to speak—the natural glories of tho country, its monuments, and historical sights—are eternal, mioxportablc, and immeasurable. Of all industries, “ tourism ” is therefore the most privileged. In conclusion, the report of (lie National Council (which is a Governmentorganised body) declares that for this privileged industry a certain expenditure is nevertheless necessary to serve as working capita!; for example, tho improvement of transit facilities and tho preservation _ at the national expense of historical buildings and famous views. Among the recommendations urged upon the Government is the development of a system of national credits for the hotel industry.