The hoteliers of Nice have renewed their confidence in Denis Cipollini, who has been re-elected president of the professional union for the next three years.
This was an opportunity to take stock of a fundamental economic sector for the Côte d’Azur’s economy: 11 million visitors in 2016, despite various negative events that disrupted the international tourism market.
In his speech to the authorities and his associates, President Cipollini wanted to highlight the figures for the hotel industry in Nice, which represents 18% of GDP (compared to 7.4% at the national level) and 20% of jobs, a percentage that nearly doubles when cafes and restaurants, as well as museums and monuments, are included.
In short, while awaiting diversification with the arrival of innovative companies, the sector remains one of the pillars of the local economy.
The professionals are the first to be convinced and want to respond to the 5% decrease in occupancy rates in 2016 compared to the previous year.
The continuation of the Marathon in November 2016 and the Carnival 2017, thanks to the determined action of state services in terms of security (with much praise directed at Prefect Leclerc!), are in line with this direction: staying the course at all costs because tourism is a rapidly expanding sector, and Nice has everything it takes to be among the most famous and sought-after destinations.
The new record (+3.4% over 2015) of passengers arriving or departing from Nice Airport attests to this.
The challenge is to equip themselves to face the new competition from Airbnb and other formulas that attract people: a new challenge that will show professionals’ ability to look ahead and… far!
