In 2018, the City took over the management of the Acropolis and Nikaia Palaces, which had previously been operated by private companies under a public service delegation.
This decision was motivated by the fact that business tourism is indeed a thriving market with strong growth, and the local economy should fully benefit from it not just in the summer but also in the winter and off-season.
Hence the desire to drive a stronger dynamic that only direct management could ensure, at least those were the forecasts.
The facts followed and confirmed this: the autonomous management body for the operation of the Acropolis-Nikaia Palaces concluded the year 2019 with historical results…
The Acropolis Palace anticipated a 20% increase in its turnover. The results have now exceeded this target, as turnover between 2018 and 2019 increased by 32%, rising from €14.6 million to €19.3 million.
The establishment hosted 131 events of all types in 2019 (congresses, conventions, seminars, galas, trade fairs, and shows), including 38 congresses and conventions, marking a growth margin of around 10% in both the number of congresses and the turnover in this segment. To date, 48 events are already confirmed for 2020, including 23 congresses and conventions, and 11 trade fairs and shows.
The Nikaia Palace also shows very good results. With a turnover of €1.78 million in 2019, the establishment hosted 44 operations throughout the year, representing 68 days of occupancy. Three concerts were sold out, with an audience capacity of 9,000 people per date. The 700-room venue, autonomously operated since October 2019 by the Panda Events association, is also off to a very good start with the scheduling of 5 concerts. To date, 32 events are already confirmed for 2020, including the much-anticipated return of Cirque du Soleil in August.
The Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, commented on this record with satisfaction: “The significant figures today demonstrate the strong potential of our facilities, the efficiency and expertise of the management staff, and the positive direction of our event and congress policy, now positioning Nice as a host city for congresses, exhibitions, and major international events.”
