Paris attacks: French PM Manuel Valls attempts to reassure tourists

French PM Manuel Valls did his best on Monday to reassure tourists, reminding them that security measures have been significantly toughened after the Paris attacks, and the country is ready to welcome them safely.

"Our first message is to reassure tourists visiting France, whether locals or foreigners, that they are safe," he said, leaving the Foreign Ministry after a working meeting with industry professionals.

The working group meeting, featuring the representatives of travel agencies and the hotel and catering industries, made it possible to evaluate the first security measures implemented by the government. The group met under the auspices of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, Laurent Fabius, as well as of Matthias Fekl, the Secretary of State for Foreign Trade and Tourist Promotion.

"Security measures in France have been considerably strengthened in the last few days," Manuel Valls added, as tourist professionals stated they fear a marked decline in activity only a few weeks ahead of the year-end festivities, which are crucial for the industry.

To boost security, President François Hollande pledged last week the creation of an extra 5,000 jobs for the State Police and the Gendarmerie Nationale in the next two years, an extra 2,500 for the Ministry of Justice and 1,000 for Customs, as well as the stabilization of armed forces personnel until 2019.

On Thursday, Finance Minister Michel Sapin stated that this increase in resources is expected to generate approximately €600 million of additional expenditure in 2016.