Take advantage of the health crisis, and the changes in habits that have resulted from it. The new president of Gironde Tourisme, Karine Desmoulin, in charge of tourism at the departmental council, and departmental councilor of the canton of Gujan-Mestras, has just presented her roadmap for the coming years.
After a summer season which went rather well despite the context – 76% of tourism professionals surveyed by Gironde Tourisme say they are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” – the Gironde remains in the Top 5 of the favorite destinations of the French, ranking at the fourth position. “Unsurprisingly, we have recorded very good frequentation of the coast, in particular by the Girondins themselves who have favored local tourism, but also by foreign customers who have partially returned, particularly the Dutch, Belgians and Germans, analysis Karine Desmoulin. Tourists have really favored outdoor spaces, such as holiday villages and campsites, as well as outdoor activities. “
“Offer activities throughout the year”
But “these peaks in summer attendance pose accommodation problems for employees and seasonal workers in these sectors” underlines Karine Desmoulin. Gironde Tourisme and the department thus wish to surf on this appetite for greenery, wide open spaces and tranquility, to promote tourism throughout the year.
“For that, we have to offer activities all year round, which is not necessarily the case for the moment,” continues the president of Gironde Tourisme. My idea will be to highlight little-known nuggets, sites that are not sufficiently recognized today, because in rural areas there are many things to discover, I am thinking of local artisans who have extraordinary know-how. , churches or historical monuments… This will perhaps help relieve congestion in certain areas for the benefit of others. “
“Take the time to get around by bike”
The elected representative also pleads for “slow tourism.” “” We must favor soft roaming, take the time to get around by bike. There will be work to be done to develop the cycling routes, but they are already very present in Gironde, with the Velodyssey for example. “
Gironde Tourisme also wants to develop a specific offer for the Girondins. “Sometimes, we go very far on vacation when we know very little about the town next door, points out Karine Desmoulin. We need local tourism with an accessibility component, for people with reduced mobility but also via social pricing that allows everyone to go on weekends or on vacation. We don’t want to leave anyone by the wayside. “