The year 2010 marks a return to normal for tourism accommodation attendance on the Côte d’Azur. The number of overnight stays recorded by hotels and residences once again exceeded 12 million, erasing the decline of 2009. With 12.2 million overnight stays, it has returned to the average level of the years 2005-08.
The long-term trend over two decades remains positive, even though the attendance level in 2010 is only slightly higher than in 1997. The years 1998 to 2002 stand out as exceptional, having benefited from strong growth in the global economy, whether virtual or real.
For 2011, the outlook is rather positive, but there will be a stabilization of demand rather than the start of a new growth cycle. The key factor could be the evolution of supply rather than demand, with an increase in capacity being offset or canceled out by longer closing periods for seasonal establishments.
Key figures for January 2011 (% change compared to the same month in 2010):
– Tourist Office Visitor (OTC): -3%
– Visitors by plane: +15%
– Visitors to museums and sites: +4%
– Hotel overnight stays: -8% (French 59%, foreign 41%)
– Overnight stays in tourist residences: -4%
Source: CTR barometer
