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Strengthening Ties: President Renaud Muselier’s Collaborative Visit from Région Sud to Utah

President Renaud Muselier of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, also known as Région Sud, recently led a high-profile French delegation to Utah. The aim of this visit was to foster collaboration and strengthen ties across various sectors, including education, film, tourism, and business. The delegation, comprised of leaders from government, education, and tourism development, embarked on a comprehensive tour of the state to engage with diverse groups and exchange best practices.

During their visit, the delegation explored key landmarks and institutions in Utah, demonstrating a commitment to understanding and appreciating the unique offerings of the state. Notable stops included the Utah Olympic Park and the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation in Park City, where they engaged in discussions to exchange insights and best practices.

A highlight of the visit was the delegation’s participation in the “100 Years of Film in Utah” celebration at the State Capitol. This event provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and showcased the rich cinematic history of Utah. President Muselier and the French delegation expressed their enthusiasm for collaboration in the film industry, given Région Sud’s prestigious Cannes Film Festival and Utah’s growing prominence in the world of cinema.

French Delegation
Ben Fredregill (Economic Development Director), Mary McGann (Grand County Commissioner), Jacques Hadler (Grand County Commissioner), and Bega Metzner (Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission Director) meet with President Renaud Muselier and the French Delegation

Partnership in Sustainable Tourism

A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of a letter of intent with the Utah Office of Tourism. The agreement aims to facilitate the sharing of best practices in sustainable tourism and the development of the tourism economy. The signing ceremony, held at Red Cliffs Lodge in Moab, was hosted by the Grand County Economic Development Office, which oversees the Grand County Tourism Council.

French Delegation in Arches National Park
French Delegation in Arches National Park

Red Cliffs LodgeRed Cliffs Lodge

The signing ceremony brought together a diverse group of attendees, including key figures from the French delegation and representatives from various Utah organizations. Notable participants included Bega Metzner, Director of Moab to Monument Valley Film Commission; Jacques Hadler and Mary McGann from the Grand County Commission; Ben Fredregill, Grand County Economic Development Director; and Lori McFarland, interim Chair of the Tourism Council Advisory Board. The presence of individuals from different sectors highlighted the comprehensive nature of the collaboration.

Common Grounds Between Région Sud and Utah: Région Sud and Utah discovered commonalities that form the basis for their collaboration. Both regions are renowned for their natural parks, share a commitment to sustainable tourism, and host world-famous film festivals—the Cannes Film Festival in Région Sud and various film festivals in Utah. Additionally, the two regions have similar targeted industries, including tech, aerospace, and life sciences. An interesting coincidence is the likelihood of hosting consecutive Winter Olympics, with Utah set to host in 2034 and Région Sud in 2030.

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