An alarming overview: Activity, employment, and tourism struggling in Occitanie

IN BRIEF Activity : Slight recovery observed, but insufficient to offset difficulties. Employment : Stabilization at -0.1 %, loss of 1,400 jobs compared to the previous quarter. Unemployment rate : Maintained at 8.7 % in 2024, relatively stable situation. Tourism : Slight decline, with stable attendance at 222 million overnight stays in 2023. Impact of the tourism sector : 125,000 jobs generated, representing 7 % of commercial employment in Occitanie. Coastal areas : Second tourist area, creating an average of 26,000 jobs per year.

The region Occitanie is going through a turbulent period marked by a significant decline in its activity, a stagnant job market, and a declining tourism sector. Economic indicators are tinged red, highlighting the urgency for a response. The observation is clear: despite some sporadic signs of recovery, the situation in these three fundamental areas remains concerning.

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A slight recovery in activity, but insufficient #

During the second quarter of 2024, the economy in Occitanie recorded a slight rebound, however insufficient to halt the overall trend of stagnation. Despite modest growth, the reality on the ground shows that many businesses continue to face difficulties. This weak upturn in activity does not compensate for the loss of dynamism observed in the past, raising doubts about the region’s capacity to revitalize its economy.

Employment in decline: a stable but concerning unemployment rate #

In the employment sector, the situation remains relatively stable, but this stability masks a worrying reality. The unemployment rate in Occitanie stands at 8.7 %, a figure that, although slightly stabilizing, remains high. During the same quarter, salaried employment recorded a decline of 0.1 %, resulting in the loss of 1,400 positions. This stagnation in the job market raises questions about future prospects and the potential for professional integration of young people and job seekers.

Tourism: a declining activity #

The tourism sector in Occitanie is also facing difficulties. According to Insee, a slight decline in tourist attendance was noted between the second quarter of 2023 and that of 2024. The region recorded 85 million overnight stays this summer, stable attendance compared to the previous year, but far from pre-crisis levels. This decline has direct consequences on the local economy, with thousands of jobs directly dependent on tourist influx.

Jobs generated by tourism: a threatened reality #

For example, in 2019, the tourism sector enabled the generation of about 125,000 jobs, representing 7 % of commercial employment in Occitanie. However, these figures are now threatened, as the loss of visitors could lead to a disinterest in employment in this key sector, particularly for seasonal professions that directly depend on tourist flows. Furthermore, the coastal areas, which account for a significant share of tourism jobs, are also seeing their attractiveness diminish in the face of emerging alternatives.

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Challenges to face for an uncertain future #

The challenges faced by Occitanie in these interconnected areas of activity, employment, and tourism are considerable. Regional authorities must absolutely devise strategies to stimulate economic dynamism, revive the job market, and restore tourist appeal. The current context reminds us that economic resilience is not guaranteed and that coordinated efforts will be necessary to reverse the trend of the indicators.