Some seasoned travelers have even decided to go to Paris because of the attacks, expecting lower costs and less crowded hotels. (Photo : Facebook)
A majority of Chinese tourists have decided not to cancel their plans to visit Paris despite the incident involving Islamist gunmen and bombers killing at least 129 people there on Nov. 13, according several Chinese travel agencies, as reported by the Global Times.
Only a few Chinese tourist groups asked to be returned to China, with most of them continuing with their plans of touring the City of Lights.
"It's like only one out of 10 tour groups are canceled," said Xu Long, a Paris-based tour guide.
Xu said that November is not a peak period for Chinese tourists in Paris, with most tourists visiting relatives or attending exhibitions.
According to the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Paris, majority of the areas in Paris are safe. An official with the bureau, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Global Times that he hopes Chinese tourists go through with their plans to visit the city.
The China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) told Chinese travel agencies to be extra cautious when it comes to sending tour groups to France. They also warned Chinese tourists to avoid the areas where the attacks occurred, as well as places of public gathering.
Several other nations, like Canada and the United Kingdom, have asked their nationals to be extra cautious, but they have not advised totally cancelling trips to France.
For the most part, Paris is functioning as normal, with the exception of enhanced security measures.
However, some tourists, concerned for their own safety, have been driven away.
A spokesperson for BTG International Travel and Tours said that inquiries for travel to Paris decreased after the attacks.
Surprisingly, some experienced travelers have decided to go to Paris after the attack, citing lower costs and less crowded hotels and attractions.
