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🇫🇷 France /Disasters & Emergencies

Gironde tourism professionals reassure after wildfires trigger 'cascade of cancellations'

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Tourism professionals in France's Gironde region are working to reassure visitors after recent wildfires caused significant cancellations.
  • Despite fears of a devastated landscape, most establishments have reopened and are eager to welcome tourists back.
  • The sector faces a critical period, as 80% of its annual revenue is generated between mid-July and August, and many businesses lost 10 days of operation due to the fires.

Tourism professionals in France's Gironde region are urgently trying to reassure potential visitors and combat a wave of cancellations following devastating wildfires. The message they are repeating is that the worst has passed and the region is far from being a wasteland.

People are afraid of seeing a devastated landscape. This is not true at all.

— Franck ChaumesReassuring potential tourists about the condition of the region after the wildfires.

Franck Chaumes, president of the restaurant branch of the Union of Trades and Industries of the Hotel Industry (Umih), stated on BFM Business that the fear of a devastated landscape is unfounded. He confirmed that nearly all establishments have reopened since the fires were extinguished and are eagerly awaiting the return of vacationers. However, Chaumes noted that while customers are returning, the numbers are insufficient, leading to what he described as "a cascade of cancellations."

Customers are back but not enough

— Franck ChaumesDescribing the current low turnout of tourists despite reopening.

He highlighted the severe economic impact, with cities like Bordeaux experiencing a 50% to 80% drop in visitor numbers, and Arcachon seeing a 40% decrease. This is particularly critical as 80% of the sector's annual revenue is generated between mid-July and the end of August. Many businesses were forced to close for 10 days in late July due to the forest fires, and Chaumes emphasized that lost revenue cannot be recovered.

a cascade of cancellations

— Franck ChaumesIllustrating the significant number of booking cancellations the sector is facing.

In response, the Umih has launched a five-language communication campaign titled "Do not abandon us" to encourage both local and international tourists to return. The French government is also providing support, including an exceptional partial activity scheme with zero employer cost. However, Chaumes believes this is insufficient and is calling for the creation of "fire loans" to help business owners manage fixed costs. The government, meanwhile, is projecting a "resolutely positive" outlook, with officials indicating that the situation is returning "almost" to normal.

80% of the season's revenue takes place between July 14 and August 31

— Franck ChaumesEmphasizing the critical importance of the current period for the tourism industry's financial survival.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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