As part of their international marketing course, Master´s students in the International Affairs program conducted a study in partnership with CSA institute. Their goal was to assess how foreign travellers feel about their stay in France, especially as they travel through Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport, the main gateway for travellers from around the world and their first glimpse of the ´France brand´.
France seen by foreigners
- 85% of travellers surveyed are satisfied with how they are welcomed by the French. Furthermore, 80% of respondents appreciate the kindness of the French and their efforts to help them. However, only 78% were satisfied with the cleanliness of public places.
- Overall, the positive views of foreign travellers are on the rise after their stay in France. Chinese and Indian travellers, however, are an exception: the favourable opinions of Chinese travellers fell by 10 points after their stay, whereas those of Indian travellers were down 5 points.
- While 99% of foreign respondents are delighted with the beauty and charm of the French regions, only 59% find that the prices are justified.
Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport seen by foreigners
- At Roissy, experiencing the airport makes all the difference. The perception of the airport improves when travellers pass through the terminals, especially for those visiting France for the first time. The Russians have the highest opinion of the airport, as opposed to the English who are generally the harshest critics of Roissy and of France.
- The positive opinion of the airport was up 21 pts after travelling through Roissy. There is an overall positive increase in the opinion held by foreign travellers from all continents.
Study Methodology
Collection method: Self-administered questionnaire distributed in the boarding area of the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport Administered in the respondent´s language.
Collection period: from 18 April to 7 May 2012.
Location(s) of collection: Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, all terminals.
Target demographic: Foreign travellers from six target nationalities (Great Britain, United States, Brazil, China, India, Russia) who stayed in France and were interviewed in the departure lounge of their return flight.
Sample size: 816 people.
Media kit
Available as of 04/07 at: master212blog.com/
