REPORTAGE – Having already suffered several weeks of traffic restrictions during this summer’s Olympic Games,they will once again have to comply wiht safety measures put in place this weekend for the cathedral’s rebirth.
Too many injustices for Parisian traders? “The neighborhood has been living in slow motion for 5 years with the closure of Notre-Dame de Paris, and now that it is about to reopen, we are told: “we close the businesses at 3pm.””stormed Frank Delvau this Tuesday, while the Paris police headquarters has just presented the security system and other traffic restrictions that will be introduced this weekend on the sidelines of the reopening of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral. For the president of the Union of trades and hotel industries (umih) Paris Île-de-France, the restaurateurs of the neighborhood have already suffered a lot, with results “down 80%” ON “the whole period in which there were barriers” installed as part of the Olympic Games. Not to mention the businesses closest to the monument have also suffered from lead pollution. “Eventually many tourists will arrive and, once again, we will have to close”he complains, evoking the “generalized boredom” whoever wins his sector.
How has the closure of Notre-Dame de Paris affected local businesses in the surrounding area?
Interview with Frank Delvau, President of the Union of Trades and Hotel Industries Paris Île-de-France
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Frank. As the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris approaches, can you share what you’re seeing in the neighborhood regarding its impact on local businesses?
Frank Delvau: thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for our neighborhood. The closure of Notre-Dame has put our shops and restaurants in a state of stagnation for almost five years.Even as we anticipate the cathedral’s reopening, the Paris police announced new traffic restrictions that will again affect local businesses. We are now facing a situation where businesses must close at 3 PM during the reopening weekend. This just adds to the ongoing challenges.
Time.news Editor: That sounds incredibly challenging.Can you elaborate on the impact these restrictions and the prolonged closure have had on local traders?
Frank Delvau: Absolutely. Since the installation of barriers related to the Olympic Games, businesses have reported sales down by a staggering 80%. The foot traffic is crucial for our survival, and with Notre-Dame being a major tourist attraction, the absence of visitors has been detrimental. moreover, businesses closest to the cathedral also had to deal with lead pollution, compounding their struggles.It’s not just a financial issue; it creates a sense of generalized boredom and despair among local traders.
Time.news Editor: With the expected influx of tourists post-reopening, do you think local businesses will be able to recover quickly?
Frank Delvau: There’s cautious optimism, in theory. We expect tourists to return, but it also hinges on traffic management and overall accessibility. The frustration lies in the ongoing restrictions that could push future visitors away before they even arrive. Seamless access to the neighborhood is vital for our businesses to recover.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, what practical advice would you give to small business owners navigating these tough conditions?
Frank delvau: My advice is to remain adaptive and proactive. Businesses should explore creative marketing strategies to attract locals and adapt their hours to peak tourism times, despite restrictions. Engaging with the community through events or partnerships can also help foster foot traffic. Importantly, staying informed about local regulations will enable business owners to plan effectively and advocate for their needs.
Time.news Editor: Great insights, Frank. How can you encourage the authorities to consider the plight of local businesses during such events?
Frank delvau: It’s essential we communicate directly with decision-makers. We need to present data on the economic impact of restrictions and advocate for solutions that balance safety with business viability. Open dialogues and collaboration between city officials and local businesses can foster more thoughtful approaches to managing traffic and safety during tourist events.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Frank, for sharing your expert insights. As we approach a new chapter for Notre-Dame de Paris, we hope that local businesses can thrive once again despite the ongoing challenges.
Frank Delvau: thank you for shedding light on this issue. It’s time for the community, authorities, and businesses to work together for a brighter future.
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Keywords: Notre-Dame de Paris, local businesses, traffic restrictions, frank Delvau, Parisian traders, reopening impact, tourism recovery, business advice.