'Unfriendly' Paris tackles its reputation

In what might be one of the most difficult consumer perception change initiatives in history, Paris has launched a ‘smile campaign’ to convince tourists that the city is a friendly place to visit.

According to Reuters, the impetus for the campaign is a 17 per cent drop in tourists as a result of the global financial crisis.

In addition, a recent TripAdvisor study of tourist attitudes found Paris was the most overrated city in Europe because of its high prices and unpleasant locals.

In response, the city has decided to tackle its reputation for unfriendliness with the launch of a stands of ‘smile ambassadors’ to welcome tourists at the city’s tourist hot-spots.

Whether tourists believe the campaign message or not, one thing cannot be denied: the city has some pretty incredible sights, including the Champs-Elysees, which can now be toured from the comfort of your desk on a virtual tour.