France taking measures to boost tourism
PARIS, Sept. 2 Authorities in France say they want to improve the manners of the notoriously rude French, following a dismal tourism season.

For the first time on record, France has slipped from its position as the world's most popular tourist destination, Britain's The Observer reported. France is in third place in revenue generated from tourism, after the United States and Spain.

Authorities are urging French natives to say "bon jour," be patient when a tourist tries to speak French and be patient and polite in business transactions. The idea is to dispel the stereotype of the French shopkeeper who throws a customer's change on the counter, The Observer reported.