Médoc Atlantique: A Look Back at a Flourishing 2024 Season

IN BRIEF

2024 Season: attendance equivalent to that of 2023, deemed exceptional.
Report presented by the Médoc Atlantique Tourist Office during a meeting in Lacanau.
Weather and political context considered as impacting factors on consumption.
September made up for a contrasting summer season, with a notable German clientele.
Preparation already underway for the 2025 season with several work areas identified.
Focus on improving customer knowledge and strengthening communication.
Success of around fifty events supported by the tourism office.

On the occasion of a report presented on October 17, 2024, the Médoc Atlantique Tourist Office (OTMA) highlighted the tourist attendance for the 2024 season, which is equivalent to that of 2023 and considered exceptional. Despite a relatively complicated context marked by difficult weather conditions, the figures reflect a continued attractiveness of the area and growing satisfaction among visitors.

A Contrasting Summer Season #

The 2024 season was marked by fluctuations, particularly due to a month of July where the weather was unfavorable to tourist activities. At this meeting at the Vitalparc in Lacanau, Laurent Peyrondet, mayor of Lacanau and president of OTMA, emphasized that this season had to face external factors that affected consumer confidence. Nevertheless, the following months, particularly September, managed to compensate for this decline, attracting a loyal audience, notably German visitors, who helped maintain attendance.

Encouraging Figures and Promising Perspectives #

Beyond the fluctuations, the figures revealed during this meeting show an upward trend. Since 2020, attendance has seen a steady increase, and the 2024 season succeeded in highlighting “the attractiveness of the area,” according to OTMA’s analyses. The clientele seeks quality services at competitive prices, reinforcing the idea that the area adapts to visitors’ demands.

Nicolas Jabaudon, director of OTMA, particularly mentioned the organization of around fifty events throughout the season. These initiatives had a significant impact on the attractiveness of the region and were able to capture the interest of a large audience.

Work Areas for the Future #

Despite the positive feedback, OTMA does not intend to stop there. The officials have already begun planning for the 2025 season. Several work areas have been defined to continue improving the visitor experience. Among these, there is a need to increase customer knowledge to better meet their expectations, strengthen communication, and improve the tourist office’s website.

Another important area is strengthening ties with local partners, who are essential to thriving in the tourism sector, as well as paying special attention to the seasonal workers who help keep the destination vibrant.