However well you think you know France, there's always something new to discover – just pop along to the France stand (EU 2000) at WTM and talk to our many partners. Main guest on the stand is the Paris Region tourist board, but among the 55 partner organisations joining together on the Atout France stand are regional and local tourist offices, accommodation providers, and sightseeing companies.  

Positive results for 2015
The latest provisional 2015 figures from the ONS suggest that the first 6 months of the year have seen British visitors heading to France, with a 2% rise in the number of visits and an over 7% increase in visitor spend year-on-year. Local partners' feedback from the summer season also suggest a return of British visitors. Further official figures to follow.

Re-named Atout France website
Atout France has changed its website to www.france.fr. The new name should enable consumers to find the site with ease. The site itself has also had a face-lift and a re-design, incorporating more video content and a social media wall.

Remembrance tourism
Midway through commemorations for the Great War of 1914-18, five partners will be joining together at WTM to promote Remembrance Tourism representing the Western Front in France – tourist offices from Aisne, Amiens, Champagne, and Nord-Pas de Calais, and Somme. The latter will be marking the centenary of one of the wars most horrific battles, which began on July 1st 1916. Commemorative events along all the Western Front partners will take place across the summer.   

Also on the stand will be 540 extraordinary woollen soldiers conceived by artist Délit Maille and knitted by 500 knitters from 5 continents – not something you will see anywhere else! If you'd like to meet this poignant collection of mini soldiers – and their creator – get in touch now with the Atout France press office to secure your place for Monday lunchtime, 2 November.   One of the hottest tickets of this year's WTM!

What's coming up in 2016
Come along and talk to the Atout France press team for advance news of some of the main events to hit the headlines in France next year – Normandy's third Impressionist Festival, the opening of Lascaux IV, a major maritime festival in Brittany, and of course Europe's big sporting tournament, Euro 2016.

Discover the delights of Dijon
Regional capital of Burgundy, Dijon hit the headlines this summer when UNESCO added the 'Climates of Burgundy' – or parcels of vineyards - to its World Heritage list. But before you head out to tour those legendary vineyards, take time to explore this historic and foot-friendly city.  Follow the Owl's Trail through the town centre, now completely pedestrianised; try local mustard, gingerbread and blackcurrant products; and book onto a guided gourmet tour for an authentic taste of the town.  
www.visitdijon.com

New offers from Val Thorens
Highest altitude resort in Europe and situated in a vast natural cirque, Val Thorens will be showcasing its new VTPass which offers benefits designed to make you feel like a VIP. The resort is also proud of its new sunshine red run; two augmented-reality telescopes; and the 900m Funslope which offers 50 modules such as snow tunnels, bridges and spirals, ideal for families and beginners.  Need a hotel? Book a stylish stay at the new 5* Pashmina built in mountain refuge style.  www.valthorens.com  

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
Jewel of the Galeries Lafayette brand, the flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann is a department store that is continually developing and that has always known how to stay up to date with the changing times to please its French and foreign shoppers. From affordable items to luxury goods, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is constantly expanding and upgrading their offerings to provide shoppers with all of the latest fashion trends. After 14 years collaborating with the brilliant Jean-Paul Goude, campaign weaving an unforgettable tale that has left an indelible hallmark on the history of the brand, Galeries Lafayette is writing a new chapter. A new campaign and a new logo that proclaim the spirit of the department store loud and clear: creativity, energy and cheekiness with a new and modern swing.

END

For further  information please contact 

Anne Pedersen  
Head of Public Relations 
Atout France
Lincoln House - 300 High Holborn, London WC1V 7JH United Kingdom 
Tel. +00 44(0) 20 7061 6624, www.france.fr