The end of the holidays is approaching. In this last weekend before the start of the school year, the hour is at the first assessments for the actors of tourism. And if the figures are still provisional, the first trends show that the heat wave has influenced the choice of destination of the French, who have praised the mountain and the west coast.
The mountain has indeed attracted more people this year, holidaymakers have been looking for natural freshness to the peaks. As a result, attendance is up 4% from last year. The sector is even forecasting a 10% increase over the last two weeks of August.
A Brexit effect
The heat wave also explains the increase in the number of hotels on the west coast in July: + 1.1% according to the UMIH, the Hotel and Catering Trade Union. Brittany, the Atlantic coast and the Basque Country recorded the largest increases in attendance. With many short stays this year, according to the tourist offices. Last minute departures for three or four days, often close to home. The season was also marked by a late start. Many departures began from July 20, while the weekend was the busiest of August 15.
Finally, a Brexit effect begins to be felt. The British were less numerous this year on the Atlantic coast and in the Dordogne. Spaniards are however more and more numerous to come to visit France.