Four Reasons to Fly to France

Remembering that 85 percent of all accidents occur in the home, Seattlest has little excuse to stay in town. Where to go? France, of course!

Sure, Maison de la France, the French Government Tourist Office, is concerned about the declining numbers of international travelers, but there's reason to be optimistic. Here's what their director for the Americas, Jean-Philippe Perol, told a tourism conference in Chicago after unveiling a new logo and theme for travel to France.

First off, the political landscape will change on November 5th. True, 80 percent of the French support Obama (UPDATE: figure is now 93 percent!!), but it's going to be a fresh start no matter what. People will be more confident (though not necessarily better off) after the elections. And the Bush administration's travel restrictions have, ironically, doubled the number of people with passports, to 82 million.

Second, oil prices are down (which helps the airlines) and exchange rates are more favorable to the dollar. Today's rate is the best it's been for two years, about $1.25 for a euro, far better than this summer's $1.60.

Third, in times of trouble, travelers go back to basics. The brand, if you will, of France remains positive. Beyond "art of living" it's "art of pleasure."

Fourth, it's easier than ever to fly from Seattle. The daily Air France nonstop is aboard an Airbus 330 with video-on-demand, which makes the under-nine-hour flight pass swiftly.

No doubt about it, 2008 will end up a terrible year for tourism in general. Even France--the world's most visited country--will see an 8 percent decline in visitors, but still end up with 80 million from around the world, worth $55 billion in foreign revenues. The US accounts for maybe 10 percent, a figure that the French would like to see double by 2010. Count us in.