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IN SHORT
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In Bordeaux, the majestic silhouette of the liners docking on the banks of the Garonne raises fascinating and complex questions. On the one hand, these giants of the seas bring a massive influx of tourists, promising significant economic benefits for the city and its surroundings. On the other hand, the rise of this mass tourism raises concerns about the environmental impact and the degradation of the local experience. Thus, Bordeaux finds itself at a turning point where the historic charm of its streets could come into conflict with the economic growth driven by these giants of the seas. Between economic opportunities and threats to real estate and cultural heritage, the debate opens: does the passage of liners constitute an asset for the city or a danger for its identity?
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The Impact of Liners on Local Tourism #
The city of Bordeaux, jewel of Gironde, has experienced a significant increase in recent years in the reception of cruise ships. If this practice seems to promise new perspectives, it also raises concerns about its impact on local tourism and the image of the city.
The authorities recently announced that certain ships will dock downstream of the Chaban-Delmas bridge, which could change the flow of visitors. According to Brigitte Bloch, president of theTOURIST OFFICE of Bordeaux Métropole, the impact of these changes will not be uniform. Indeed, certain professions, such as tourist guides and the tradespeople from the heart of the city, will feel this change more strongly.
Unequal Competition for Local Players #
Not all sectors will be affected in the same way by the presence of liners. The consequences vary depending on the nature of the economic activities:
- Port services : Direct impact on their activity depending on the location of the vessels.
- Carriers : Need to readjust their routes to adapt to the location of the landings.
- Tradespeople : Those located near the new docking points could benefit from increased customers.
This duality highlights the precarious nature of tourism linked to cruises. Although liners generate average spend of 150 euros per passenger within Bordeaux, representing approximately 50,000 annual nights, their impact remains relatively limited compared to the overall flow of tourists (4 million per year) who favor longer stays.
The New Challenges to Face #
Another point of concern lies in the perception of liners by the people of Bordeaux. In 2021, 14% of residents considered their presence harmful, a figure which rose to 25% in 2023. This opinion could influence the reception of visitors and the experience of passengers traveling to the city.
It is interesting to note that Bordeaux is not the origin of these cruises. In comparison, other ports like Marseille Or Le Havre welcome a much higher number of stopovers and passengers, which highlights the need to find a balance between the appeal of these cruises and the well-being of the people of Bordeaux.
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Towards Responsible Tourism #
Brigitte Bloch underlines the importance of maintaining a welcoming port while encouraging a more sustainable facing the arrival of the liners. Bordeaux has an undeniable advantage: some of its European ports, such as Dubrovnik Or Copenhagen, can accommodate ships in the city center. This asset must be exploited, ensuring that only environmentally friendly ships dock in Bordeaux.
For the future, the objective of the tourist office is to create a harmonious balance between economic opportunities that these cruises can bring and the port identity protection from the city. The key will be an ongoing dialogue with stakeholders in the sector, in order to transform this challenge into an enriching experience for the city and its visitors.
