2 / 17 / 2003 - France Legends participates as member of the Conseil Consultatif International Huntington Beach, CA – At the invitation of the French Government Tourist Office, Alain Bernard, President of Legends, was invited to participate in the first Assembly of the Conseil Consultatif International, held in Paris on Friday the 21st of March. Some 150 foreign tourism experts, including the major tour operators, travel agents, carriers and even journalists specializing in France, discussed the current state of tourism to France. Bernard, part of a handpicked delegation of eight Americans, was chosen for his knowledge of the destination, and his influence on the market. At the Assembly, sponsored by the French Secretary of State for Tourism, the delegation discussed the image of France today, and took part in preparing the promotion strategy for France in the months and years to come. The promotion of France and its image in today’s environment was a key topic, accentuated by the background of war and its consequences for the world’s tourism industries. Topics including the misconception of hostility towards foreign tourists, monitoring and re-launching markets at the end of the crisis, and the promotion of the quality of the tourist products were among the most discussed. Bernard was pleased to have been a representative among the U.S. delegation to deal with these important topics that will help shape the future of tourism in France. The French Government Tourist Office plans to continue meeting with its key tourism partners on a regular basis to keep an eye on the evolving situation and to continue to define detailed strategies and working methods. Contact: Legends Anna Vo, 714-374-5656