Holidaymakers head for Paris

The allure of the Paris is persuading holidaymakers to part with their cash and take a trip to France this summer, despite the credit crunch, officials say.

Business Week reports that while the City of Light is being visited less by budgeting Americans, Paris is winning new custom from the Middle East, India and eastern Europe.

Jean-Claude Lesourd, president of Paris' Tourism Office, told the news provider: "Paris is doing well."

He added: "2008 will be a very good year - as good as last year and perhaps even better."

Mr Lesourd's fighting talk is backed up by figures; during the first half of 2008 visitors to Paris increased by 2.2 per cent to 17.3 million, according to statistics based on overnight hotel stays.

The Lonely Planet travel guide praises Paris as a city which offers visitors the chance to enjoy "breezy boulevards, impressive monuments, great works of art and magic lights".

It adds that holidaymakers should sample its gourmet cheese, chocolate and wine and ascend the Eiffel Tower during their stay.