Michel Tschann (President of the Hoteliers’ Union): Happy New Year 2012 with an average end of the year, a vibrant hinterland, and various attacks.

We know how important the hospitality industry is for the economy of the Côte d’Azur. The beginning of 2013 is also a time to review the past year’s performance and make forecasts for the coming one. Michel Tschann, the long-serving president of the Alpes-Maritimes Hotelier Union, shares his insights.

2012 saw progress compared to 2011, despite the crisis; we likely benefited from a geopolitical context favorable to our Côte d’Azur, which highlights the usefulness of efforts made in recent years, particularly regarding security; however, since mid-November, we have seen a decline compared to last year.

Our mountain hotels had excellent results thanks to abundant snow and investments in the resorts and our hotels.

This end of the year will see a decline compared to last year despite many last-minute reservations from our Italian friends; they will be overall fewer than in previous years; despite our promotional efforts, other nationalities are less present at this year’s end.

2013 looks average as we have to consider the various measures affecting our industry, as it is true that in France, as soon as an activity seems to be doing well, it is punished:

the removal of tax exemption for overtime, which has penalized our businesses and employees; increase in duties on beer and alcohol; “Nutella” tax: the height of ridiculousness!; especially the rise in VAT (nearly doubled for accommodation) in 2014, which will make our services more expensive, increase the commissions of reservation centers based outside France; accessibility requirements for our establishments which will lead to creating, at great expense, an offer for which there is little or no demand… and of course, the reduction of promotional budgets, notably for Atout France.

Good Resolutions for 2013

Maintain enthusiasm and passion despite the challenges

Accelerate the environmental initiatives of our hotels

Continue to work towards the completion of major projects, notably the railway network in Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur

Try to highlight the economic realities of our industry, its impact on the department’s revenue and employment

Encourage the development of sporting and cultural events
promote the Côte d’Azur together without parochial rivalries among institutions

… and above all, take care of our clients to ensure they are satisfied!