London and Paris are to collaborate in a bid to boost international visitor arrivals.
The two capitals – both targets of terrorist attacks – will be jointly showcased to overseas visitors while a new Paris-London ‘Business Welcome’ initiative aims to encourage the trade and investment between the two cities.
The tourism agreement, which will be introduced in 2018, will focus on key drivers for international visitors to both cities, such as culture and heritage, and combine the resources of VisitLondon.com and Parisinfo.com.
Visitors to London and Paris spend more than £30 billion a year and the tourism economy in both cities supports 1.2 million jobs.
The announcement comes a day before the government triggers Article 50, beginning the formal process of withdrawing the UK from the European Union.
However, Paris and London have made a choice to focus on constructive alliance, rather than competition.
The two cities have been working since the Brexit vote to facilitate the joint domiciliation of companies in London and Paris, to ensure that entrepreneurs are able to develop their business in both markets.
London mayor, Sadiq Khan, said: “London and Paris are two of the greatest cities in the world and we have so much to gain from joining forces.
“Never underestimate the incredible benefits to be found when major cities do business together.
“Our great friends in Paris and across the continent are well aware that working closely together remains to our mutual benefit.”
His Paris counterpart, Anne Hidalgo, said: “Paris and London share common values and willpower. We want to be attractive to companies all over the world.
“Since the election of Sadiq, our two cities have been working better together. We are developing new exchanges and new projects.
“All these initiatives will create employment, activity and economic growth. It is a very positive dynamic that the Brexit will not change.”