In addition to aspects relating to taxation and legislation in the sector, the former CEO of Accor is proposing the construction, within 4 to 5 years, of the CDG Express link, which would connect Gare de l'Est and Roissy CDG airport in 20 minutes. "All major cities have this means of transport, which allows business travellers to reach the city centre quickly".explains Gilles Pélisson.
In terms of major facilities, he advocates the rapid renovation of Hall 7 at Paris Expo and the creation of two amphitheatres seating between 2,000 and 3,000 people, along with additional hotel capacity. No fewer than seven of his proposals relate to hospitality, often presented as a black spot in France. The slowness of identity checks at Paris CDG is obviously singled out, with a shortfall of around 200 air and border police officers. The report also recommends strengthening the "Welcome Pack deployed at major events, the distribution of the City of Paris' welcome charter, the introduction of an "Congress Pass including public transport and entry to a trade fair or conference.
Still on the subject of hospitality, several of the measures outlined should help to improve the use of taxis, such as the introduction of a credit card terminal in all vehicles and the creation of flat-rate fares to reach the centre of Paris or exhibition and conference centres from Paris airports. At a time of increasing global competition, "Paris must stay in the raceinsists Gilles Pélisson, who hopes that his report will be followed by concrete decisions from the government.
