Where Have all the Tourists Gone?

Is it the weather? Is it the strong Euro, or is it that dammed Pimpernel, No sorry I mean recession.

No one can doubt that 2009 is going to be a record low year for tourism in France, the official records already showing a 30% drop over the average for the previous 5 years. As a Gite owner I can confirm that the bookings have been well down on last year, although it does appear that the cheaper basic accommodation is holding its own.

 

If you believe the news coverage both in France and the UK a combination of the  recession and the risk of catching Swine Flue are the main reasons for people deciding to forgo their annual holiday. Whatever the reason there is no doubt that some of the businesses that are reliant on summer tourism for their survival are going to be in trouble. Many French restaurants and tourist shops only open for the tourist season and rely on the income to fund the winter closure.