Corsica is establishing itself as a business destination: a first large-scale trial in Bastia

Corsica is gradually positioning itself as an essential business destination, as demonstrated by the recent workshop organized in Bastia. This flagship event aims to diversify the island’s tourist offer, traditionally focused on the summer season. With untapped potential in the early, mid, and late seasons, Corsica aims to attract professionals seeking new experiences year-round.

A challenge for the territory

The development of business tourism is seen as a strategic lever to address one of the territory’s major challenges: seasonality. Karine Goffi, president of UMIH Corsica, emphasizes the importance of moving away from an exclusively summer-focused tourism model. She describes an under-utilized potential, noting that some micro-regions of the island are already more advanced than others in this transition towards diversified tourism.

With usual seasonality extending from April to October, it is imperative to develop solutions to attract a professional clientele throughout the year. That said, it is essential to adapt the existing offer to accommodate this type of visitors, taking into account their specific needs.

Adapting the offer for business tourism

The business tourism sector requires a specific structuring, including professional standards and carefully planned logistics. Angèle Bastiani from the Corsican Tourism Agency discusses the support provided to industry stakeholders to adapt to these new demands. She stresses the need for flow management, especially regarding accessibility through air and maritime transport.

Nicolas Godard emphasizes the urgency of supporting this transformation, asserting that business tourism could play a key role in increasing traffic during the so-called “low” periods. He also mentions the importance of political will and a robust economic reality to support this change.

The assets of Corsica in the business sector

Island partners have multiple assets to face these challenges. For example, Air Corsica participates in the workshop to offer specific packages for groups while improving coordination between airlines and maritime companies. This initiative aims to reduce transport-related obstacles, a common issue for tourist destinations.

Regarding accommodation, Karine Goffi emphasizes that the island has quality hotel offerings that meet the expectations of professionals seeking corporate events. She assures that island establishments are capable of adapting to client needs, highlighting their already developed capacity for events and conferences.

A unique proposal in Bastia

The workshop in Bastia represents much more than a simple event. This gathering serves as a strategic showcase for the business sector being developed on the island. It directly addresses the challenges of economic diversification and sustainable development that concern the Corsican territory. The island’s exceptional cultural heritage and enchanting landscapes are assets that should appeal to professionals seeking new experiences.

In summary, Corsica strives to stand out compared to its neighbors, reinforcing its position as a preferred destination for business. With such an initiative, the island demonstrates its willingness to evolve and adapt to the demands of an increasingly discerning professional clientele.