Abstract
Since the beginning of the first trade shows, direct contact has emerged as the best way to communicate. The development of IT has enhanced this trend. Virtual contacts can stimulate or initiate physical meetings however in any case, they cannot be substitutes. This explains the massive growth of meetings, incentive events and other exhibitions. This is commonly referred to as business tourism. Business tourism is a pertinent and modern media in order to meet, communicate, facilitate ideas and form product interactions as well as to enable new concepts available to people. France is becoming an expert in the global business tourism industry (French Tourism Authority 2007). Tourism is a key market with crucial importance for Paris and its region. According to two relevant international organizations, the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) and the Union of International Associations (UIA), Paris has been the world's leading business tourist destination for congresses since 1979.
