It 's a big nation that can take a long hard look at itself and reach the conclusion it might be a bit rude toward tourists . France , which regularly tops lists of countries that are surly to travelers , appears to be waking up to the notion this might not actually be good for business . While not exactly prompting a full-blown existential crisis , the admission does seem to have led to discussions on how to make its boulevards and brasseries more inviting . `` We must rediscover the meaning of hospitality , '' Innovation Minister Fleur Pellerin told a tourism conference last week . `` Everyone recognizes we can do better on the welcome and quality of service . '' This wo n't be news to anyone who 's visited Paris in recent years and received Gallic shrugs of indifference from waiters or hoteliers . Neither is it the first time that France has done some soul searching about its attitudes . Targeted by pickpockets . Last year Parisian tourism and trade officials launched a manual offering advice to service industry employees on how to befriend the various nationalities that flock to the city . Problems apparently persist -- not helped by a 2013 crime wave in which crowds of Chinese tourists were reportedly targeted by pickpockets . A six-day strike by French air traffic controllers that 's expected to create major delays for travelers this week is also unlikely to burnish the nation 's image . Pellerin said France must n't `` rest on its laurels '' at a time when the country badly needs the annual $ 16 billion injection that tourism provides to its economy . Her comments came as Laurent Fabius , France 's foreign minister , said in an interview that he wants to push through new measures to attract visitors . He told BFMTV that he was involved with discussions to ease France 's restrictive Sunday trading laws to open up more shops in Paris . Fabius said he hopes improved road and rail links between the capital and Charles de Gaulle Airport will also improve matters . As might a drive to encourage more tourism industry workers to learn other languages . Shifting attitudes . Fabius said it 's `` essential '' that people understand that any tourist `` whether French or foreign -- is someone we should welcome . '' Some , however , say that France is at least making progress . `` I think that , on the whole , French attitudes have shifted and that French people are more courteous with tourists than they used to be , '' French commentator and journalist Agnes Poirier told CNN . `` They are also more likely to be able to speak English and give indications . `` It is difficult for Parisians to simply ignore tourists . They know tourists spend a lot , and are a vital element of the country 's prosperity , and should therefore be well treated . ''
French officials say their country could be harder to welcome visitors . Fleur Pellerin says situation must change or $ 16 billion annual tourism revenues will be hit . Plans unveiled to reform restrictive retail hours and schools to learn non - French languages .