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Published: April 14, 1998

The organisers of the World Cup have assured tourists heading to France that there will be no significant disruption in the country during the event.

Speaking in London Michelle Demessiny saught to quiten fears over prices and accomodation for the millions of people who visit France every June regardless of the World Cup Finals. She hoped that there would be no more than a "25% increase" in prices for tourists as hoteliers seek to cash in on the expected rush to see the World Cup.

Every tourist will have the opportunity see the games on open air screens outside major towns as the French tourist board seeks to capitalise on the exposure the country will receive throughout the world in June and July.

Demessiny stressed that the Finals were a separate event to the regular tourist activities and that "95% of France would not be affected" by the matches. A 25% price increase was understandable for hotels as rooms were likely to be scarce with extra visitors for the Finals from around the world. France is one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth but the matches in the World Cup Finals are well away from the southern coast of the country which sees the highest number of visitors although Paris is expected to be extremely busy throughout the Finals. It was also confirmed that there will be no alcohol ban during the tournament in the Bordeaux region where many of the great French wines are produced.