Sporadic clashes and a nighttime curfew continue in the South Pacific French territory of New Caledonia, two months after riots erupted.
The violence has seriously impacted tourism, the territory’s main industry, with foreign visitor numbers falling sharply.
The unrest stems from protests which started in May by some indigenous people and others seeking independence from France.
Ten people, including two members of France’s security forces, have been killed in the unrest.
Many burnt out shops and other buildings can be seen along the main road from the airport to the major city of Noumea.
The French government says there have been 700 cases of looting and arson against shops and other locations in New Caledonia over the last two months. Damage is estimated at about 2.4 billion dollars.
A state of emergency was imposed after the riots started. It was lifted in late May, but the nighttime curfew has been kept in place.
About 50,000 travel bookings have been cancelled, and the French government estimates 24,000 people have lost their jobs.
One expert says it is difficult for Paris to implement measures to restore the territory’s economy and improve the situation, as France has been embroiled in political turmoil and is preparing to host the Olympic Games.