(l-r): Derick McQuarrie, Regional Sales Director Canada, Rail Europe;
Caroline Putnoki, Director for Canada, Atout France; Isabelle Gagnon, Promotion Coordinator, Atout France; Javier Santamaria, Account Executive, Air France
If your job is to promote France and you want to wear something emblematic of the country, you couldn’t do better than to accessorize with a Hermés scarf, the hand-printed silk treasure coveted by women with a refined fashion sense.
The one worn by Caroline Putnoki, Director for Canada Atout France, at a travel trade function at Biff’s restaurant in Toronto this week was a brightly-coloured affair with an Asian inspired-design.
And as it turns out it, it was made in Lyon, one of the cities being promoted on this visit. Known for its silk factories and gastronomy, Lyon, Putnoki explained, is currently experiencing a major transformation.
By the time it’s completed in 2020, Lyon’s Confluence District, 'the largest urban development project in Europe,' will have a downtown that's double its current size. It’ll be the future waterfront home to a museum, leisure centre, marina, restaurants and hotels. Two new hotels have already opened including an NH Hotel and the city’s first five-star property, the Sofitel Bellecour.
Lyon is also one of the top 5 cities in France for conventions. The others are Paris, Nice, Marseille and Toulouse.
If only Air France’s Javier Santamaria, who was also in attendance, had brought one of the seats from the new Premium Voyageur cabin. (They were being delivered to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for the Incentive Works show August 16th and 17th for visitors to try out.) I was curious about this upgrade from economy which offers 40% more space, 10-inch screens, business class amenities and more.
Montreal to Paris flights have been equipped with the Premium Voyageur cabin since March 28th. The new service class will be introduced on all flights from Toronto to Paris as of October 4th.
