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IN BRIEF
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Angèle Bastiani, president of the Corse Tourist Agency, approaches the upcoming tourist season with optimism and a clear strategy built on moderation, diversification of the offer, and spreading attendance. This new momentum is based on encouraging initial figures in the pre-season, a strengthened offer, and the desire to maintain sustainable growth in line with market developments. Her analysis highlights key areas for the future of Corsican tourism while aiming to enhance the island’s appeal on both national and international stages, taking into account the challenges of overtourism and local dynamism.
Preparing for the Pre-season: Towards a Renewed Interest
According to Angèle Bastiani, the season begins under excellent auspices with a particularly dynamic pre-season. Tourist activity is already witnessing a rise in the number of transported passengers and a strengthening of the offer. This trend can be explained by thorough promotion of the territory and the multiplication of initiatives aimed at expanding available accommodations and activities. For Corsica, this spring period is critical for attracting clientele eager to discover the island outside of summer crowds, allowing for a gradual enhancement of its heritage. The increased interest in authentic and less saturated destinations also benefits local stakeholders, similar to initiatives mentioned in other emerging tourist territories.
Forecasts for the High Season Marked by Progression
The indicators for the high season appear robust, with tourist attendance expected to be strong, possibly exceeding that of 2024. The figures show an anticipated increase in occupancy rates of accommodations and the number of overnight stays. This momentum is accompanied by efforts to diversify clientele and extend the tourist period, thereby minimizing the effects of overtourism concentrated over a few weeks. This approach aligns with a comprehensive reflection on developing sustainable tourism, also addressed in the management of overtourism by the industry’s elite.
A Desire to Spread Attendance Over Several Months
The underlying trend, according to Angèle Bastiani, aims to spread tourist attendance over several months rather than concentrate it in the summer. This strategy not only allows for providing quality reception to visitors but also helps preserve Corsican resources and landscapes. The extension of the season is made possible through the creation of events, the development of new infrastructures, and the enhancement of island identity. This positioning is part of a broader approach that questions and adapts local economic models and the role of tourism in regional development, in connection with issues discussed by the impact of tourism on territories.
Diversification and Resilience in the Face of Sector Challenges
Under the impetus of the ATC, the diversification of offers and the integration of new members within tourist offices are central to strengthening resilience in the face of current challenges (economy, environmental issues, tariff fluctuations). The involvement of local institutions, in conjunction with private stakeholders, allows for offering renewed experiences adapted to the demands of modern clientele, as highlighted in the collaborative approach discussed in the arrival of new members in tourist offices. Economic questions, such as the impact of tariff volatility on tourism, remain significant challenges that require adaptation and vigilance, as mentioned in the evolution of tariff regulations.
Challenges and Future Dynamics for Corsican Tourism
Angèle Bastiani’s vision for the upcoming season is thus part of a dynamic of reasoned growth, innovation, and enhancement, to ensure Corsica’s continued attractiveness while preserving its authenticity and local balances. The focus is on the quality of the experience, respect for the territory, and solidarity with local stakeholders, in a logic of harmonious and sustainable development.
