Managing the risks associated with tourist over-tourism
The State has unveiled its plan to secure the Var, the leading tourist department in France, whose population doubles in summer.
Faced with the doubling of the population in summer, the State services in the Var presented a reinforced security plan on June 26.
With a population that doubles every summer, the Var, the leading tourist department in France, represents a major security and economic challenge. To guarantee the peace of mind of residents and millions of visitors, the prefect of the Var, surrounded by the main officials responsible for security and population protection, detailed all the measures at the Domaine de la Navarre in La Crau.
Economic stake
The summer season is a vital economic engine for the department. The massive influx of tourists, while generating indispensable economic activity, also places considerable pressure on infrastructure, public services, and law enforcement.
Ensuring a safe environment is therefore an imperative condition to preserve the attractiveness of the Var destination and retain a French and international clientele.
A comprehensive and coordinated approach
The mobilization of State services aims to anticipate and manage the risks associated with this over-tourism, whether it concerns delinquency, public order disturbances, or commercial fraud.
Alongside the internal security forces (police and gendarmerie) and emergency services, several departmental directorates are mobilized.
The direction départementale de la protection des populations (DDPP) ensures food safety, the fairness of commercial practices, and the protection of consumers against scams common during the summer period.
For its part, the direction départementale de l'emploi, du travail et des solidarités (DDETS) pays particular attention to compliance with labor law, notably in the hotel-restaurant sectors and seasonal activities.
The Agence régionale de santé (ARS) deploys prevention and control actions to cope with increased health risks (bathing water quality, emergency management, drowning prevention).
Finally, the service départemental à la jeunesse, à l'engagement et aux sports (SDJES) supervises the safety of leisure centers, holiday camps, and the numerous sporting events that liven up the Var coast and hinterland.
This strategy aims to cover all aspects of summer life to offer a serene summer for everyone.
Photo Préfecture du Var.