Paris May Lose Tourism Crown as London Heats Up

Paris has long cherished its reputation as the undisputed tourist capital of the world. But London is nipping at its heels.

French newspaper Le Figaro reported this week that London is set to pass Paris out as the leading city for tourism once 2013 visitor numbers are tallied. The latest official U.K. statistics show London attracted record numbers of visitors last summer, prompting Le Figaro to draw its conclusion.

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The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris's major tourist attractions. Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

The report hit a nerve in Paris, with Mayor Bertrand Delanoe going so far as to issue a statement to contest the claim.

"For us, there is no controversy, we are the leader," said Audrey Epeche, chief of staff of the city's deputy mayor in charge of tourism.

Paris authorities say the latest official data—from 2012— confirm its leadership position.The city attracted 29 million total tourists in 2012 while London attracted a total of 27.6 million in the same period, according to data from London & Partners, the U.K. agency that promotes the British capital.

The rivalry over which city attracts the most tourists echoes competition between Paris and London on other fronts.

After French President François Hollande was elected in May 2012, U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron famously said he would "roll out the red carpet" and welcome French people and businesses. Paris and London are vying for tech entrepreneurs.

For years, the City of Light has prided itself on being the world's most visited city, with trademark attractions from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre.

Were Paris to lose its status as the number one tourist capital, it would be an additional blow as France struggles to boost economic growth. One-out-of -ten Parisians works in the tourist industry, which generates 8% of the gross domestic product of the city, according to data from the tourism office.

London and Partners predicted that over 16 million foreign tourists visited London in 2013, though the agency didn't make any comparison with Paris or another city.

"London is hot," said Kit Malthouse, deputy mayor of London and Chairman of London and Partners. "If the figures are confirmed, we will have had our best year."

Mr Malthouse said tourists are seeing London through a new eye since the 2012 summer Olympics, which, along with major events such as the birth of royal baby Prince George contributed to increase in visitors.

But when it comes to his Gallic neighbors, Mr. Malthouse says it isn't all about rivalry.

The short train ride that connects Paris and London is like an "umbilical cord" that makes the cities more partners than rivals, he said.

"Paris is my favorite city to visit, after London."