François de Canson, vice-president of the Région, answers questions from La Gazette du Var.
What is the origin of the Région's bid to host the 2030 Winter Games?
I will tell you how we experienced this adventure! It all starts with a dream. It also starts with an observation. We have everything in our Alpes du Sud. It is the second largest ski area in France, with 65 resorts, champions, snow, and chalets. We have everything, but we have never hosted the legendary Olympic and Paralympic Games, while our northern neighbors have hosted them three times. In January 2022, in the middle of his New Year's address, President Muselier announced to us that he was going to bring the Games back to our Alpes du Sud. From there, everything fell into place! One year to win the blessings of the Comité International Olympique and the Comité National Olympique. On May 2, 2023, during a meeting with the Comité International Olympique, we were confident with our dossier for 2034 or 2028. But, the 26th Winter Games were awarded to us! And finally, on October 2, came the signature of Prime Minister Michel Barnier to secure the financial guarantees.
Do major international sporting events mean economic benefits?
As the leading tourist region after Paris with 21 billion in annual economic impact, we are equipped to host major international events, whether they are sporting, cultural, or diplomatic. These exceptional events are powerful levers for the development of our economy and our attractiveness. Le Sud is a land of sport. Just look at these past two years with the Coupe du collaborators and volunteers and more than 220 mobilized businesses. Then, there was the Tour de France. An extraordinary vintage with a finish on the promenade des Anglais, 300,000 spectators in the Hautes-Alpes and 20 million in economic benefits. The Embrun Isola stage drew the largest audience on France Télévision during the climb of the col de la Bonette. And, in Nice, we recorded a record hotel occupancy rate of 98% and 50 million in economic benefits!
And now, how will you move forward?
This bid is a blessing! It is a breath of optimism, it is a call to outdo ourselves. It is the assurance of a leverage effect across all aspects. Together with Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, we form the leading winter sports domain in the world. We are not discovering major international events for the first time. Our northern neighbors have held 3 consecutive Winter Olympiads and the ski World Cup last year. 95% of Albertville's infrastructure will be reused. We have a sober bid, based on heritage and geared towards our residents with respect for ecology and the economy. We are among the rare countries to label our tourism and leisure activities for disabilities. One final weighty argument played a part. We are coming off Paris 2024, which showed that France and its territories know how to deliver the exceptional.