http://money.cnn.com/2003/07/03/news/international/france_champagne.reut/index.htmFrance to Americans: Drinks on us!
Amid drop in U.S. visitors after Iraqi war dispute, France rolls out free champagne, flowers.
July 3, 2003: 1:31 PM EDT
PARIS (Reuters) - Paris is launching a champagne and flowers charm offensive to woo U.S. tourists after France's opposition to the U.S.-led war in Iraq triggered a large drop in the number of transatlantic visitors.
About 100 hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses will be laying on the bubbly, blooms and other treats for American visitors in a promotional campaign timed to coincide with the July 4th U.S. Independence Day celebrations.
"This campaign is aimed at Americans who would like to visit France, but are worried about what kind of welcome they might receive," the tourist office said in a statement.
Last year, Paris hosted 1.7 million tourists from the United States, more than from any other country, but in the first four months of this year numbers have slumped by almost a quarter.
Across the Atlantic, France last month launched a new promotional video, in which film director Woody Allen urged fellow Americans to visit France and eat French fries.
Woody Allen as a spokesperson? Obviously they're catering to the Limosine Liberals!