In Corsica, the local, national and international context makes the tourist season which opens quite uncertain.
Professionals fear in particular the consequences of the war in Ukraine on the purchasing power of tourists.
They are also worried about the image of Corsica given by the recent scuffles on the island.
The long beach of Porticcio, a seaside resort half an hour from Ajaccio, is still quite deserted on this spring afternoon.
Behind the sand, the shop signs come to life gently.
In a few weeks, the first beach towels will come to cover the fine sand, until it is no longer perceptible, in the heart of the tourist season.
A crucial moment for Corsica, where tourism represents no less than 33% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The 2021 season placed the Island of Beauty on the podium of French tourist destinations, with better overall results than in 2019, before the coronavirus epidemic.
According to figures from the Corsica tourism agency, no less than 8.5 million overnight stays were booked last year in collective accommodation, and 6.7 million tourists were transported to Corsica in 2021, i.e. 44% more than in 2020.
"It's not the same clientele anymore"
"It's simple, last year was the only year I didn't have a second to light a cigarette during July and August," says Alex.
Very close to Porticcio beach, the souvenir shop he runs with his wife Sissi proudly bears the mention “since 1994”.
And from its long experience on this little piece of Corsica, the year 2021 has been exceptional in terms of attendance... but also of customers.
The health and economic crisis has been there.
“There are a lot more people, but with a smaller basket, notes Alex.
Last year was the year I sold the most magnets and key rings.
»
"It's not the same clientele anymore," admits Jean-Paul behind his counter, in the restaurant opposite the souvenir shop.
People pay more with meal tickets or luncheon vouchers.
They pay attention.
Last summer, I didn't sell any bottled water.
Just decanters.
But I understand it.
The cost of living is increasing, and behind us, we are also forced to increase the price.
It has become a luxury to go to the restaurant!
A phenomenon that the restorer fears will become entrenched over time.
"With the delirium of stories in Ukraine, everything increases," he breathes.
Gasoline increases.
People will no longer have enough money, and it will become difficult to come to Corsica!
»
"The Corsicans do not kill people"
According to the Corsican tourism agency, the average cost of an overnight stay on the island last year was 92 euros, when the average price of round-trip transport reached 503 euros.
“On the one hand, we are confident for the coming season, but on the other, we don't really know what it will give, confides Jean-Paul.
The elections will pass, and, you will see, they will give us the mask, the health pass, all that bullshit... For us, it has a huge impact!
An uncertainty about the future season shared by Fred, a restaurant owner just behind the Ajaccio market.
"You know, we don't plan anymore," he breathes.
We no longer anticipate things.
Apparently, the Covid is starting again…” “When people book, they often ask us if there is a way to cancel at the last moment, abounds Sandrine, hotelier in Cargèse, one hour from Ajaccio.
Customers are really afraid of a new wave.
»
Recent news on the island has fueled the uncertainty of Alex, the souvenir seller.
“I have a fear, it is that the recent events in Corsica make that people who do not know the island are afraid to come here, he worries.
In truth, the Corsicans do not kill people!
Tourists make their living.
They are not pissed off.
It's just four shits throwing stones in the street!
After Yvan Colonna's fatal attack, clashes erupted, particularly in Bastia, during demonstrations.
New nationalist demonstrations are also planned for Sunday in Ajaccio.
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Corsica
War in Ukraine
Covid-19
Violence
Tourism
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