aixcentric

There were demos in Aix centre ville yesterday by the owners of the town’s restaurants and cafes which are to be closed until 11th Oct inclusive. They are, they said, in mourning for the slow death of their businesses.

And to underline the economic interdependency in town, the markets were suffering too, with few customers.  One stall-holder yesterday reported making 50 euros.

According to figures reported in La Provence, it’s been a catastrophic year: during Feb-April, hotels had an occupancy rate of 1%, as opposed to their normal 57% at that time of year. No business travellers, no organised groups, no individual travellers.  Things picked up when the confinement was lifted with 80% visitors, primarily from France and neighbouring countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany.  Drivable places in other words.

Then came September and Aix was classed in the ‘zone rouge‘, and visitor numbers slumped to 30%.  Taxis too saw the same problem with a big drop in custom, now exacerbated by the closure of restaurants, bars and especially nightclubs. Individual events like the Ironman being cancelled affects all aspects of the town’s economy.

Across France, the government reported (17 Sept) big changes in how we are all spending our free time, choosing:

• the coast or countryside; outdoor activities, preferably eco-friendly
• short stays, near home, not ‘tourist hot-spots’
• last minute bookings
• time with family.

All lots to ponder for Culture Minister Roselyne Bachelot who arrived in Avignon today for a 2 day conference on how to move forward with all the major events that take place every year across France and do so much to generate local economies.