Seasonal rentals prohibited in Nice: "it's demagoguery, populism"

The mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi has decided to ban seasonal rentals in his city for the February holidays.

“It's irresponsible,” criticizes Europe 1 Richard Vainopoulos, president of the TourCom travel agency network.

"It's a total disrespect." 

INTERVIEW

Very few French people go on vacation in February.

This is the bitter observation of tourism professionals when the first weekend of departures indicates that behavior is strongly modified by the threat of the coronavirus.

Richard Vainopoulos, president of the TourCom travel agency network, explains that the pandemic and the statements by politicians are deeply damaging the economy.

"On average, about 20% of French people leave in February, but there are only 5 or 6% of them who were able to leave", he laments at the microphone of Europe 1. 

The president of TourCom also attacked Christian Estrosi's decision to ban seasonal rentals in Nice.

"It's demagoguery, when we see Mr. Estrosi making these kinds of decisions. First of all, he is the mayor, he is not the prefect", annoys Richard Vainopoulos.

"It's even populism, it's irresponsible, it's a total lack of respect," he said.

Because this ban leads to cancellations which weaken professionals and their clients.

"People spend a lot of money. When you have rentals, contracts, you have to fulfill them, otherwise you have to reimburse customers with allowances."

>> LIVE

- Coronavirus: follow the evolution of the situation Sunday February 7

"The French are not leaving"

The closure of the ski lifts has obviously dealt a big blow to the tourist economy.

In February, usually, "it is the skiing which is essential, and when there is not that, the French do not leave", explains Richard Vainopoulos.

This one notes that "there are very few people in the high mountain resorts. Maybe a little bit on the low level resorts, on the PACA and Corsica but these are more family trips or among friends ".

>> READ ALSO

- Covid: where will the French go for the February holidays?

He also criticizes the government's late announcements regarding the February vacation.

By authorizing departures while closing borders, the executive has placed professionals in a complex situation.

According to him, this decision amounts to "throwing out travel agencies and especially customers", a situation he compares to that of restaurant owners who had to throw away their food overnight. 

CORONAVIRUS ESSENTIALS

> The English variant would cause slightly different symptoms

> Not recommended for people over 65, who will be injected with the AstraZeneca vaccine? 

> Audio, webcams ... When technology adapts to teleworking

> Containment is good for the planet

> How will the vaccination passport work in Denmark?

"People are demotivated"

In addition, "people are quite demotivated" by political statements.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior, Camille Chaize, explained on Europe 1 Sunday that there was no "particular tolerance" for holidaymakers who would arrive after 6 pm at their resort.

For Richard Vainopoulos, "it is illegal to do this. The law absolutely does not prohibit returning home at 6 pm from the moment you have calculated the time necessary to go from one destination to another".