The Minister of Economy Emmanuel Macron, Martine Pinville, Secretary of State for Trade, and Matthias Fekl, his colleague in charge of tourism, met yesterday morning at the Prefectural Palace with elected officials and professionals affected by the July 14th attack and announced support measures for the commercial and tourism sectors.
As of today, it is impossible to measure in percentage terms the national and international clientele that will shun the Côte d’Azur and the economic repercussions.
One initial piece of information is reassuring: the volume of air traffic has remained stable since the attack.
A series of measures has been announced.
The first is that a single number will be set up to facilitate information and file creation.
Next, tax and social security deadlines may either be smoothed out or postponed.
Regarding cash flow, by requesting Bpifrance, loan repayments can also be deferred for those who apply.
For the tourism sector, an international campaign to promote the image of the Côte d’Azur will be launched with an operator in collaboration with local stakeholders.
Finally, beach operators took the opportunity to revive their opposition to the “beach decree” which is back on the table.
Secretary of State Pinel expressed her willingness to “work” on this subject and see how, “in compliance with the law,” the expectations could be “met.”
In fact, this point has nothing to do with the attack, but any opportunity is good to take advantage of. Imagine if the beach operators had missed it!
On the sidelines of the conference, Emmanuel Macron revisited the process of selling the state’s capital shares (60%), which is in its final phase.
The Minister confirmed that the offers are being reviewed by the Commission of Participation and Transfer and that the criterion of the best price is integrated with an evaluation of the development strategy support file.
The Minister will meet with the other minority shareholders before making the final decision.
