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Business Business Profile: Cannes' international profile continued to improve throughout 2000. It is France's second most important destination (after Paris) for business travellers, and in terms of attendance, is second worldwide for congresses (after Hong Kong). Cannes' economy relies almost entirely on the combined revenue of business and leisure tourism, which reaches approximately two billion francs per annum, the only other significant industry is the space industry. The surrounding department's level of unemployment - fixed at 11.6% for the Alpes-Maritime in the first quarter of the year 2000 - is slightly in excess of the national level (10%) but nonetheless offers the lowest level in the Provence-Cotes d'Azur region (13.5%). The region as a whole shows a year on year decrease in unemployment levels (a decrease of 1.7% since 1999). The key business venue is, of course, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, within easy walking distance of the major hotels, which welcomes the major international markets. The exhibition area, the 24,000 sq metres (258,000 sq ft) Espace Riviera is situated on a triangular site to the south of the Palais des Festivals, overlooking the sea. The building comprises a rotunda, suited for gala dinners, cocktails and shows and a large exhibition hall. With this new development in place, Cannes has ensured its place as one of the three largest conference and exhibition centres in Europe. The whole town is geared towards receiving business visitors with restaurants, nineteenth-century villas, yachts and even beaches adapted for corporate entertainment. Business Etiquette: Business in Cannes is quite a formal affair. It is customary to address colleagues by their surname, although locals used to the international business community are not offended, only slightly embarrassed, if addressed by their first name. Business cards are vital and even leisurely southern France expects colleagues to arrive promptly. Due to (sometimes) good-natured rivalry, praise of the capital (unless one's colleague is from Paris) should be avoided. However, it usually pays to praise the benefits of the Côte d'Azur. Business attire tends to be smart and chic; light suits are a must for the hot summer months. Lunch meetings are common. Standard business hours are 0830-1200 and 1430-1800. |