Is Paris Safe for Tourists Following Terrorist Attack?

People gather in solidarity in support of the victims of a terror attack against a satirical newspaper in Paris. (Photo: AP)

In the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks in France, the French government has raised the country’s terror threat to its highest possible level.

With the attacks being called “the deadliest since World War II,” the city has issued widespread enhanced security protocols at dozens of public places, including department stores, schools, transport hubs, and tourist attractions.

Governments around the world are also warning their citizens to “take extra care” if traveling to the city.

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office warned that there is a “high threat from terrorism” and attacks “could be indiscriminate,” advising that the French government is warning the public to be especially vigilant in the coming days.

The world is mourning in solidarity with France. (Photo: AP)

France receives 83 million international visitors a year, generating almost 36 billion euros in tourist revenue in 2012. That equates to 7.12% of its gross domestic product.

That is clearly a big chunk of the country’s income that is now at risk. But how dramatic is the reaction to stay away from France, or Paris specifically, likely to be?

The U.S. State Department advised that “although U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted in terrorist attacks in France in recent history, travelers should remain vigilant. Immediately report unattended packages observed in public places, or any other suspicious activities, to French law enforcement authorities.”

But even with an increased risk, there appears to have been no major changes to the number of visitors to the city.

“It is not easy to project the effects an attack like this will have,” Anne-Laure Tuncer, the US Director for Atout France, admitted. “But speaking with all of our industry partners, which include Air France, Rail Europe, travel agents etc, we have no reports of any cancellations. All we have received are messages of support and sympathy from them.”

Atout France is the French Tourism Development Agency. And in actuality, they are still having meetings about planned trips to France.

“We have had conversations today with a TV channel who is traveling to France this week to film a travel show. They are still going and were asking us for advice on where to visit.”

Related: Terror Suspects in Charlie Hebdo Massacre Were on U.S. No-Fly List

An agent from Fox World Travel, a specialist in travel to France from the US, agreed with the Tourism Development agency and revealed that the company has experienced no cancellations for travel to France so far.

“We are telling everyone that nothing is closed. The airport, the train stations, the attractions. Everything is still open,” Tuncer reiterated.

Bernard Cazeneuve, the French Minister of the Interior, reassured the world that the French government is going to great lengths to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors alike.

“An interministerial crisis unit had been set up, which had decided to deploy six state security police force units and squadrons of the mobile gendarmerie as additional backup to the 10 already present in the French capital,” he said in a statement.

American tourists have been urged to be extra vigilant. (Photo: AP)

“All places, in particular tourist attractions, requiring extra protection, are included in these measures and in the ‘Plan Vigipirate’ [France’s national security alert system that strengthens security against terrorist attacks]. The Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau has joined with the City of Paris authorities and all tourism professionals to denounce this terrible attack and to assure visitors that every effort will be made to ensure their safety.”

Related: Young Mother Let Terrorists Into Charlie Hebdo Building After Threat Against Daughter

In the streets, the attack continues to dominate conversation, but there has yet to be a sense of widespread panic.

“The attack is obviously the number one subject of conversation,” explains American journalist Amy Serafin, who is based in Paris. “But otherwise, things don’t feel terribly different in the streets.

“Things are open, public transportation is operating normally, and I haven’t seen a heightened police presence in the places I’ve been. People are certainly scared, but the French have been exhibiting more solidarity than fear.”

This unity of the public, both locals and tourists alike, has led to incredible displays of alliance. Rather than hiding in fear of the increased threats, which have been issued across Europe, people have come out in droves to show their support. And to help France mourn.

“Last night 35,000 people [according to the police] met at the Place de la République to show their support,” Serafin explained.

Huge candlelight vigils were held in London; Prague; Madrid; Lisbon, Portugal; and Brussels, to name just a few, with thousands of people lining the streets. Smaller gatherings were cited as far afield as Tunisia and India.

French President François Hollande echoed these emotional sentiments in his statement to the nation on Wednesday evening.

“Freedom will always be stronger than barbarism,” Hollande said, adding that France has always been able to overcome difficulties and counter assaults on its most dearly held values.

“We must be aware that our best weapon is our unity, the unity of all of our citizens. Nothing can divide us. Nothing must separate us from one another,” the president stated.

President Obama also condemned the attacks and promised America’s support:

“France is America’s oldest ally, and has stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States in the fight against terrorists who threaten our shared security and the world,” the president said in a statement.

“France, and the great city of Paris where this outrageous attack took place, offer the world a timeless example that will endure well beyond the hateful vision of these killers.”

As with other cities that have experienced such barbaric acts — London, New York, Atlanta, Madrid, and Sydney — things will go back to normal following this horrific attack. Tourists will flock once more to the incredible array of attractions that Paris has to offer. And by the look of the public defiance in this situation, it seems that this will happen sooner rather than later.