Marina Ferrari has been appointed as the Minister Delegate in charge of tourism economics in France, marking the first dedicated ministerial position for tourism in 17 years.

This new role comes at a crucial time as the tourism sector, which contributes nearly 8% to France's GDP and employs over 2 million people, seeks to capitalize on recent economic boosts.

France remains the world's top tourist destination, generating €63.5 billion in revenue from approximately 100 million international visitors.

Ferrari's appointment is viewed as a positive signal for the tourism ecosystem, reflecting a governmental commitment to the sector's growth.

However, she faces key challenges, including recruitment difficulties in the tourism sector, which is often hampered by low wages and atypical working conditions.

There is also anticipation for the inclusion of hospitality and restaurant professions on the national list of in-demand jobs to facilitate foreign recruitment.

Ferrari will oversee Atout France, the state agency for tourism promotion, and may consider merging it with Business France.

Additionally, she will need to address issues left by her predecessor, such as compensation for businesses affected by the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Industry leaders, including Renée-Marc Chikli, emphasize the need to increase tourist revenue and retain visitor numbers while being cautious about potential tax increases.

Valérie Boned, president of the Travel Companies, highlighted the importance of developing a comprehensive public tourism policy in light of the Olympics' success.

With the upcoming Olympic Games expected to attract around 100 million international visitors this year, stakeholders are optimistic about the potential for increased tourism revenue.

Ferrari's background in tourism, including her work on a parliamentary report regarding ski resort renovations, will be crucial as the industry faces challenges from climate change and rising costs.