INTERVIEW
It's a good way to get away inexpensively in times of confinement from the coronavirus: getting lost on the Internet in search of new destinations, browsing the websites of travel agencies, walking around on online travel guides . Should we take the plunge and book a stay for July and August, when we know very little about deconfinement? Yes, according to Didier Arino, associate director general of Protourisme and guest of Europe 1 on Thursday morning. "We can already start preparing for our summer vacation," he said at the microphone of Matthieu Belliard.
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"It will be very complicated to plan a trip abroad", however nuances Didier Arino. "Today, most flights are stopped. The companies plan 50% of traffic, only in five months (in September and therefore after the tourist season, editor's note). And then" we don't know what will be the conditions for opening up countries to French people, "added the specialist.
More foreigners in France?
For all these reasons, "it is desirable, preferable and united to plan a vacation in France", assures Didier Arino, who promotes a country which "conceals fantastic marvels", from the Basque country to the pink granite coast , passing by the Occitan coast.
The argument in favor of holidays in France is also economical: "We will have little or no of the 17 million foreigners who came to France last year. The 9 million French people who go abroad each year in summer will remain in France, and the tourism sector needs it ", estimates the person in charge of Protourisme, which evaluates the cost of a confinement with" more than 10 billion euros "for the tourism sector, which represents approximately 7% of gross domestic product (GDP).
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"During the first three weeks of August, the busiest period, it is preferable to book your holidays now," continues Didier Arino. "There are a lot of destinations that have huge availability because people haven't been booking in recent weeks." The tourism professional also advises "to book with professionals who offer free cancellation formulas by taking out insurance" to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Towards less "low prices"
In any case, the era of "systematic search for low prices on the other side of the world" is coming to an end: "It is important to promote the development of territories, of much more sustainable tourism", advances Didier Arino. "It is in these moments that we see the importance of making traditional networks work, such as travel agencies."
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In the meantime, the tourism sector is completely in the dark, while the confinement will be extended after Tuesday. "At a minimum, it would be desirable to know when the establishments will reopen," hopes the tourism specialist despite everything. "You don't open a holiday village or a campsite in 24 hours." Containment or not.