While you may still be basking in the sun and enjoying the summer delights of the French Riviera, some are already delivering an initial assessment of the tourist season. According to Michel Tschann, President of the Azurean Hoteliers’ Union, the Riviera remains “a unique place in the world where, of course, the beach and the sun are present, but where the entertainment is such that few regions in the world can offer the same amenities.” The beaches remain the main attraction of the region, and this year, they have been packed. But thanks to the plethora of festivals, markets, and other attractions, “one doesn’t tan foolishly here.” “The Azur residents are fortunate to welcome the whole world (and some of the visitors are quite lovely…), thanks to whom they benefit from services (airport, theater, opera, museums, festivals, etc.) of a major European capital, even though we are only a million in this department. This is worth a few inconveniences as tourists’ needs change, with less focus on dining and more on shopping, spas, and relaxation; it requires adaptation, investment, and things are moving fast!” As every year, tourists and locals have enjoyed various events (jazz in Antibes and Nice, the Menton festival, nightclubs, fireworks, museums, exhibitions, the lake festival in Valdeblore, Nu-Ziq Festival, etc.) that make the region an almost unique place in the world.
Regarding the tourist clientele, it seems that high-end hotels have progressed more than the 2/3-star hotels, which traditionally were better filled in Nice. “If this trend continues, it is interesting because it places the Riviera on another scale and shows that the efforts made to differentiate from other Mediterranean countries, which will always be cheaper than us due to labor costs, have ‘registered’ in the minds of our clients.”
The image of the French Riviera remains intact abroad. “The coast was created by the English (who, incidentally, came to Nice because it wasn’t yet France, their hereditary enemy!), then the Russians, then the Americans; these are still important clienteles, and the brand image is good, especially after the efforts made by everyone—State, CRT, Chamber of Commerce, hoteliers, National Police and Gendarmerie—on security issues. In France, we suffer a bit from the ‘Niçoise salad’ image, but when our Parisian clients call us and we talk to them about the weather, the beaches, and festivals, envy can be heard over the phone.”
Regarding the seemingly endless tramway works, “these works have caused a bit of harm to local tourism, but after all, construction is a good sign and shows a willingness to move forward.” Despite these facts that resemble an advertisement for the French Riviera, there are negatives, some of which are quite concerning for the future of tourism on the Riviera… The first worrying fact: the highlands and mid-country seem somewhat deserted by tourism. “It’s a fabulous space, complementary and enriching for the coastline, and it’s not easy to get tourists to stay there. Tomorrow they will increasingly seek nature and relaxation, we have it, it’s up to us to exploit it in the right way.”
Regarding the tramway, Michel Tschann “regrets that no communication abroad has been made about the renewal of Place Masséna, the wonderful pedestrian space emerging on Avenue Jean Médecin, the ease of connection with Acropolis for next year’s congresses, the artistic accompaniment of the tramway; it’s now we need to talk about it!”
Some managers of rather modest bars and restaurants also admit that the clientele this year is quite different from those of previous years. There are a lot of people but less money. Perhaps a consequence of the good health of high-end venues.
But the most concerning downside, according to many people, remains the current policy of the city. Indeed, the desire to force bars and nightclubs to close at midnight is considered an aberration. While all the major cities in France seem to light up and awaken at this hour, Nice could soon resemble a dormitory at nightfall… And the fierce competition from Juan-Les-Pins and Cannes could then hit the Niçoise city hard. The city is warned; it may have difficulty enforcing its “whim”…
