A beach in Pornic (Loire-Atlantique). - © Fabrice ELSNER

  • The deficit of foreign tourists was offset by an influx of French visitors to Pays-de-la-Loire.
  • It is by the sea that the attendance was highest.
  • Outdoor activities, such as cycling trips, have also been successful.

Let's say it right away: the 2020 tourist season will obviously not be a grand cru in Pays-de-la-Loire. In this very particular context of Covid-19, many professionals suffered from a catastrophic month of June, a sharp decrease in foreign customers and the restrictions imposed by health protocols. However, boosted by a massive arrival of French tourists, attendance in July-August was not lower than last summer. Several sectors have even managed to pull out brilliantly. Focus on these unexpected winners.

The coast and its beaches

They are the big winners of the summer, unlike urban tourism. Well helped by the radiant weather in July, the professionals of the coast (Loire-Atlantique and Vendée) declare to have had a much more sustained activity than initially imagined, for the most part higher than 2019. “The stays were a little more short but the average basket of expenditure is higher, ”notes Régine Wiest, president of the regional federation of tourist offices and tourist offices. "After the period we have known, tourists have let go," confirms Catherine Quérard, president of the national grouping of independent hotel and restaurant workers in the West.

Gîtes and guest houses

They dragged a somewhat old-fashioned image. However, unlike campsites and hotels, lodges and guesthouses have a smile. “The summer has been excellent! says Antoine Priouzeau, president of the Gîtes de France in Vendée. We saw a clientele arrive who were not used to frequenting us and who were reassured by the isolated, safe setting offered by the lodgings. Lots of families, grandparents with their grandchildren. It's a real good surprise. It is a clientele that we hope to retain now. "

Cycling tourism

Traveling by bike, for a weekend or more than a week, has been a growing trend for several years. But it exploded this summer. The Loire by bike route has seen its attendance increased by 31% this summer! Cyclists were also particularly numerous on the Vélodyssée or the Nantes-Brest canal, for example. "Many French people have converted, especially families," observes Franck Louvrier, president of the regional tourism committee. It is interesting tourism because it brings customers to small businesses sometimes far from major tourist sites. "

Cyclists in Mauves-sur-Loire, on the Loire by bike route. - J. Damase

Green and nautical recreation

If rural tourism has been penalized by the lack of foreign tourists, green and nautical activities have taken full advantage of customers' desire for the outdoors. Tree climbing, paddle rentals, water games, vineyard hikes, farm visits and even zoos have had unexpected success. “There was a real desire for the outdoors! The local clientele was also particularly important. Many residents remained in the region and pecked right to left the leisure activities available to them, ”explains Régine Wiest.

Company visits

“Most businesses are happy with footfall. Those who have shops have seen an increase in purchases. It really contributed to the relaunch of their activity ", rejoices Julien Goudeau, president of" Visit our companies in Pays-de-la-Loire ". Main successes: the Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the salt workers of Guérande, the cellars of Anjou. “There is a great diversity of business proposals in this region. They attract a family audience, curious to discover the manufacturing secrets. "

Bars-restaurants with a terrace

More than ever, establishments with a terrace have made the difference compared to their competitors who did not. Because customers particularly wanted the outdoors, of course. Because the terraces also make it possible to significantly increase the reception capacity. "Those who had a terrace managed to save their turnover, not the others," said Catherine Quérard. Fortunately, the municipalities were accommodating in responding positively to most of the requests from the establishments. The expectations on this subject are high for the future. "

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  • Tourism
  • Beach
  • Nantes