French government paints a rosy picture for tourism despite unrest over the police killing of a teen

Tourists to France faced a new reality during an eruption of nationwide anger following the police killing of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk last week. Hotel owners cite a drop in bookings in some areas. But the French government insisted Thursday that the overall picture for the tourism industry remains rosy. It promised a “great season’’ for visitors despite the simmering discontent. The fatal shooting sparked anger across France and stirred up already existing tensions about racial and class-related discrimination in policing. The violence ebbed this week. Yet the roots of the tensions remain. Tourists thronging the French capital are taking precautions but are largely unfazed.