Le Touquet-Paris-Plage Launches New Incentives to Attract British Tourists

May 15, 2026, 15:25
EuropeCulture

Introduction

The coastal town of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage has announced a series of discounted activities designed to increase the number of visitors from the United Kingdom.

Main Body

Historically, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage had a very strong connection with the UK, serving as a favorite destination for famous British figures such as Winston Churchill. However, the changes following Brexit caused a significant drop in British tourism, which previously made up 20 percent of all visitors. To improve this situation, the local government has organized a promotional week from May 25 to May 31. During this period, the town will offer free or low-cost activities—including sand yachting, horse riding, and shrimp fishing—all conducted in English. Furthermore, the program includes high-end experiences, such as a classic car exhibition, tours of the local airport, and meals prepared by Michelin-starred chef Alexandre Gauthier. From a strategic perspective, the administration wants to remove language barriers that might discourage tourists. Councillor Kate Landry emphasized that providing instructions in English is intended to make visitors feel more comfortable with unfamiliar activities, thereby improving their overall experience and promoting the local French lifestyle.

Conclusion

The resort is using specific language and financial incentives to reverse the decline in British tourist arrivals.

Learning

🚀 The 'Connector' Upgrade: Moving Beyond Simple Sentences

At the A2 level, you usually say: "The town had a connection with the UK. There was a drop in tourism because of Brexit."

To reach B2, you need to stop using separate short sentences and start weaving your ideas together. Look at these three 'Power-Moves' from the text:

1. The "Cause and Effect" Bridge

Instead of saying 'This happened, so that happened,' use thereby.

"...providing instructions in English is intended to make visitors feel more comfortable... thereby improving their overall experience."

Why it works: Thereby acts like a bridge. It tells the reader that the second action is a direct result of the first. It makes you sound professional and academic.

2. The "Contrast" Shift

Notice how the text moves from the past to the present using However.

"...serving as a favorite destination... However, the changes following Brexit caused a significant drop..."

The B2 Secret: Don't just use 'But'. Start a new sentence with 'However,' followed by a comma. This creates a sophisticated pause that signals a change in direction.

3. Precise Description (The 'Adjective' Boost)

Stop using 'very' or 'good'. Look at these B2 pairings from the article:

  • Very big drop →\rightarrow Significant drop
  • Expensive/Fancy →\rightarrow High-end experiences
  • Plan →\rightarrow Strategic perspective

Pro Tip: When you describe a situation, ask yourself: "Is there a more specific word than 'big' or 'good'?" Using significant instead of big is a hallmark of the B2 transition.

Vocabulary Learning

discounted
Reduced in price
Example:The hotel offered discounted rates for early bookings.
historically
In the past, in history
Example:Historically, the town has attracted many artists.
connection
A link or relationship between two things
Example:There is a strong connection between culture and tourism.
significant
Large or important in amount or effect
Example:The new policy had a significant impact on local businesses.
tourism
The business of traveling for leisure or business
Example:Tourism provides a major source of income for the region.
percent
A part of a whole expressed as a fraction of 100
Example:Twenty percent of visitors come from the United Kingdom.
high-end
Of high quality or expensive
Example:The resort offers high-end dining experiences.
Michelin-starred
Having received a Michelin star, indicating excellent quality
Example:The chef runs a Michelin-starred restaurant.
administrative
Relating to the organization and management of an institution
Example:The administrative team approved the new marketing plan.
language barriers
Obstacles caused by differences in language
Example:Language barriers can prevent tourists from fully enjoying their trip.
discourage
To make someone less confident or less willing to do something
Example:High prices may discourage visitors from staying longer.
unfamiliar
Not known or experienced before
Example:The guide helped unfamiliar travelers navigate the city.
financial
Relating to money or economics
Example:Financial incentives were offered to attract more tourists.
incentives
Things that encourage or motivate actions
Example:The city introduced incentives for eco-friendly hotels.
reverse
To make something go back to a previous state
Example:The new program aims to reverse the decline in visitor numbers.
decline
A decrease or reduction
Example:The tourism sector experienced a decline after the pandemic.
arrivals
People who arrive or come to a place
Example:The airport handles thousands of arrivals each day.