INTERVIEW
While the coronavirus continues to circulate in the territory, the epidemic has strongly impacted the tourism sector. In the columns of the Journal du dimanche , the Secretary of State for Tourism, Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, thus figures at least 30 to 40 billion euros "the immediate impact" of the health crisis on the French tourism sector. But the member of the government also welcomes "an encouraging month of July", and notes that "the French are participating massively in the revival of the sector by favoring France". Invited Sunday from Europe 1, Loïg Chesnais-Girard, PS president of the Brittany region, confirms that in his region, the first assessment of the summer season is "rather satisfactory". It's "a good surprise," he says.
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So far, the summer has gone "rather well", notes the socialist, indicating that in his region, "77% of professionals are satisfied". "There was a good return from the public from the school holidays, in particular those bordering Brittany and then the French", explains Loïg Chesnais-Girard. However, he says, there has been "a fall of our European compatriots".
Overall, assures the guest from Europe 1, "the nights are held and the visits are there, especially in natural spaces, outdoor activities". However, he recalls, "everyone expected a black summer". "We had a white spring, and we had a rather positive summer," adds Loïg Chesnais-Girard.
"We are subordinate to short orders"
However, this relatively good form of the tourism sector must be put into perspective, recognizes the president of the Brittany region. "For now, it's good, but we see that we are subordinated to short orders, to tourists' choices that are made almost from day to day," he explains. "And so, when there are a few surges of Covid like last week, the numbers immediately drop."
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Also, Loïg Chesnais-Girard calls for "to remain cautious, with respect for others, barrier gestures, to ensure that the trend is confirmed, and that the month of August continues to see tourists arriving in Brittany".