Jean-Pierre Ghiribelli: 'The Sud Sainte Baume sector is weakened by rising costs'

Tourism professionals point to growing economic pressure. What are the main factors weakening them?

The first issue is the general rise in costs. Raw materials, energy, operating costs, everything is increasing. Many establishments cannot pass these increases on to their prices, risking the loss of a clientele that is already very budget-conscious. Added to this are the PGE, the government-guaranteed loans, contracted during the health crisis. Their repayment still weighs heavily on many establishments and limits their investment capacity.

Does this situation affect the quality of service?

Necessarily. When margins shrink, it becomes difficult to hire, train, modernize equipment, or offer new services. Some professionals are working miracles to maintain quality, but they are at the limit of what they can absorb.

Are insurance and taxes also being singled out?

Absolutely. Insurance has increased in all areas, and taxes, particularly the tourist tax, have become a sensitive topic. Classified hotels have to collect and remit it, which sometimes creates misunderstanding among customers. All of this contributes to additional pressure.

Without accommodation, there is no staff. And without staff, there is no season.

Do recent legislative developments complicate the situation?

The taxation of tips changes the balance for both employees and employers. Professionals must integrate these new rules while already managing significant administrative complexity. This requires time, skills, and constant adaptation.

The labor shortage remains a major problem. How does it manifest in Sud Sainte Baume?

It is very strong. We lack qualified staff, especially in the kitchen. Some establishments have to overpay low-skilled positions to get through the season. Others struggle to retain their teams. This is a national problem, but it is particularly acute in tourist areas.

Is housing for seasonal workers also a significant obstacle?

It is a central issue. The cost of housing in Var makes it difficult to accommodate seasonal workers. Some mayors are making efforts, but the solutions remain insufficient.

Professionals regularly denounce the complexity of administrative procedures. Concrètement, where are the bottlenecks?

Procedures are often long, opaque, and decisions sometimes arrive too late for establishments to plan ahead. Whether it is outdoor terrace authorizations, beach concessions, energy aid requests, or regional files, professionals need clear rules and quick responses. Today, administrative red tape slows down projects, complicates daily management, and seriously holds back activity.

Unfair competition is a topic you mention often. Why?

Because it has become unbearable. Establishments operating with official licenses, declaring everything, and complying with standards and obligations find themselves facing operators who do not declare, do not pay the same charges, and do not respect the same rules. It is profoundly unfair. Those who cheat slash prices and weaken compliant professionals. We demand reinforced controls and true fairness.

Is digital technology another point of vulnerability?

Many establishments lack online visibility or do not master digital tools. Faced with international platforms, they are at a disadvantage. We must support them in digital marketing, review management, and online booking. This has become essential.

How does UMIH Var plan to support professionals in facing these challenges?

By playing our unifying role. We bring together elected officials, administrations, law enforcement, experts, banks, and training organizations. The objective is to build concrete solutions: administrative simplification, support for seasonal housing, digital assistance, collective bargaining for insurance, and reinforced control measures against fraud. We must move forward together.

Do you remain optimistic despite these difficulties?

Because the territory has immense potential and the professionals are committed. The investments underway, such as those on the île de Bendor, show that Sud Sainte Baume attracts and inspires confidence. If we remove the obstacles, we can truly scale up.