You have to spare a thought for the Paris tourism industry. First the bloody terror attacks, then the violent protests and strikes, and now the River Seine reaching its highest flood level in 30 years.
After the devastating Paris terror attacks, city authorities and tourist sites were forced to launch a new campaign aimed at persuading worried visitors to return.
Then just as tourists began to venture back, violent protests and strikes throughout the spring left hotels and tourism chiefs in the city lamenting another blow as concerned visitors once again began to have second thoughts.
Now they've been hit by the floods. While the flood levels of the River Seine will eventually recede, those who work in the tourism industry could have done without it.
Photo: AFP.
Mustafa, who owns a souvenir shop on the banks of the Seine, commented: “In the seven years I have lived here, I have never seen a season like this.
“I worry about whether tourism will pick up in the coming weeks. What with the terrorism, strikes and now floods, it's no surprise that there seem to be fewer tourists. It is the worst time to own a souvenir shop like this in Paris.”
It's not just those working in souvenir shops that have been affected.
One by one, museums are falling victim to the floods, even if they aren't exactly submerged under water.
Both The Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay have had to close, almost certainly until early next week in order to evacuate artworks to higher ground. On Friday afternoon the Grand Palais also announced it was closing to the public out of precaution.
Photo: AFP.
With floodwaters breaching the banks of the Seine River, tourists have been greeted by thick grey clouds and emergency closures at must-see destinations in just the latest crisis to hit the City of Light.
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