Theme parks in the green zone, that is to say those least affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, will be able to reopen on June 2. Puy du Fou, several times best park in the world, declares itself ready for a reopening on the 11th. This is a relief for elected officials and professionals in the area, because Puy du Fou is not only a site of medieval attraction, it is also a real economic machine that brings the whole of the Vendée to life.
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"It's a great victory, a sigh of relief". The reopening of Puy du Fou, Véronique Besse can savor it all the more since she launched a petition on May 9 to that effect, a petition which in two weeks collected no less than 24,000 signatures. Mayor of Herbiers, a town located eight kilometers from the park, she explains that Puy du Fou represents a considerable asset. "It is the locomotive of an entire region. One euro spent at Puy du Fou is equivalent to an economic impact of around 3.20 euros on the regions of the Pays de la Loire," she points out.
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"There were really people in difficulty, especially the hosts who all year put on the opening of the park to welcome tourists, and who had no reservations," continues the councilor. "It was becoming economically problematic."
7,000 direct and indirect jobs
Maison Marie Barrault, a hotel located in Les Herbiers, depends mainly on the activity of Puy du Fou, especially in summer. "During this time of year, 90% of our customers are there for Puy du Fou. When the park is closed, we are almost at a standstill," says Gérard Soulard, the owner of the establishment. With the reopening on June 11, an entire economic sector will be able to start off gradually, the park alone representing 7,000 direct and indirect jobs in the tourism sector.