In tourism, Var records very strong growth

After an exceptional year 2023, notably due to the Rugby World Cup, the Région Sud ended the year 2024 up +3%. Var saw its activity grow by +2% and represents 50% of the region's overnight stays. "It is completely remarkable since we are the only region in France to record such increases," rejoiced François de Canson, president of the Office de tourisme intercommunal, the Comité régional de tourisme and mayor of La Londe-les-Maures.

ARRIVAL OF LUCIE ALÉONARD

The new structuring by sectors, its animation and coordination were entrusted in 2024 to the office de tourisme intercommunal with the arrival of Lucie Aléonard, director of intercommunal tourism coordination. "Outdoor activities, cycling, water sports or even wine tourism constitute an approach full of meaning. Once again, we are pioneers alongside professionals in promoting our territory," added François de Canson. For its part, Var Tourisme presented the customer profile of the territory, the 4th destination in Var with 7.8 million overnight stays. It features a French clientele (73%), families (49%), CSP+ (46%) and loyal visitors (59%). The departmental institution also detailed its online training program for tourism. Finally, Betterfly Tourism concluded with a reflection on the tourism of the future, a regenerative tourism serving inhabitants and visitors, or how to reconcile tourist activity, attractiveness and territorial challenges. This meeting also provided an opportunity to address projects, while extending discussions around a brazier.

THE SUD, A MAJOR DESTINATION

Elsewhere in the Région Sud, tourism stakeholders noted a strong dynamic for the Christmas holidays. Indeed, the region has established itself as a major destination. Thus, in the Alpes du Sud, the snow was there with an accommodation booking rate of nearly 80%, representing a 3-point lead compared to last year's Christmas holidays. "The period between Christmas and New Year was also fully booked with a booking rate of 87% (to date). For its part, the coastline has also experienced growing success for some years during this winter period. Every year, more than 6 million tourist overnight stays are recorded. Discovering or rediscovering the Côte d’Azur in winter and our Provençal Christmas is part of the history of tourism in our region," welcomed François de Canson. He added: "Our international clientele remains loyal, especially Italians, Germans, and Swiss, who make up the top 3 foreign visitors. For domestic visitors, vacationers come from Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, which alone account for 56% of French tourists from outside the region. In the hotel industry, the average occupancy rate reached 54% last year during the Christmas holidays, peaking at 62% on New Year's Eve, December 31. Over the first two weeks of December, the occupancy rate was stable compared to last year, which had already seen a strong dynamic. Short-term rentals also showed interesting prospects with bookings up 5% compared to last year". "This strong attractiveness of our region in winter allows for a better distribution of visitors over the twelve months of the year. This is the heart of the strategy I support with President Renaud Muselier," concluded the vice-president of the Région.