The year-end holiday season passed with an average outcome, and hoteliers are concerned about the rest of the winter season. Although the snow has returned to the high-altitude resorts, it’s not shaping up to be a great season…
Many factors of uncertainty and fear exist:
The foreign clientele is affected by the decline of the yen and especially the ruble, factors that add to the intense competition from Mediterranean and distant countries that are benefiting from the decrease in airline ticket prices linked to the drop in kerosene costs.
Regarding domestic clients, beyond the economic context, a new form of competition is emerging, namely rental accommodations that do not have all the constraints of hotels. The increased role of booking platforms hampers competition, allowing clients to benefit with impunity.
However, there are some good news: the city of Nice will not increase the tourist tax on hotels, and ongoing investments like the tramway line 2 and the future exhibition hall in the Eco Valley will be beneficial for tourism in the future.
However, the winter season is becoming increasingly challenging for hoteliers, leading to closures that trigger a vicious cycle, which will be very difficult to exit, with immediate consequences on employment, investments, and the attractiveness of the Riviera.
After such a grim report, a ray of sunshine lights up the summer season, with many conferences at Acropolis and various sports and cultural events.
