Coronavirus: what is the first assessment for tourism this summer?

DECRYPTION

While the month of July will soon come to an end, the time has come for the first assessments on the side of tourism professionals.

The season has started strong, but this good start could be slowed down by a possible rebound in the coronavirus epidemic and the return of measures of restrictions during the month of August. 

"No wave of cancellations at this stage"

Occupancy rates are at their highest, with records for certain types of accommodation such as Gîtes de France, campsites that are filling up: the results for July are good, tourism professionals tell Europe 1.

But that could well change in August, if the health restrictions multiply.

This is what Nicolas Beaurain, CEO of Maeva, fears in particular.

"We have no wave of cancellations at this stage," he says, but "a lot of questions from our holidaymakers about the health pass".

However, he said, "at this stage, the trends remain favorable."

Few reservations for September-October

Same echo from the tourist offices.

For the president of DNA Tourisme, Christian Mourisard, the pandemic could even upset the destinations in August.

"It is difficult today to anticipate what the month of August will be, but especially the psychological aspect," he says.

"I remain convinced that there is such a desire to leave ... People will look at the map of France and look where there is the least impact of the virus, even if it means changing (destination)."

Another observation made by professionals in the sector: reservations are still few for the post-season, in September and October.