In Nice, a new movement is emerging: between attraction and rejection of tourists

IN BRIEF Tourist influx in Nice: 10 million visitors per year. Growing rejection sentiment among locals. Problems of overtourism and noise pollution. Organized protest movements throughout the city. Economic impact: 22,000 direct jobs in the sector. Proposals for solutions for sustainable tourism. Need for economic diversification to reduce dependence on tourism.

In Nice, the issue of tourism is becoming increasingly problematic, sparking an intense debate between locals and visitors. While the city has become a popular destination, attracting more than 10 million tourists each year, a protest movement is emerging, blending attraction and rejection of visitors. This phenomenon reflects a latent tension between the economic benefits brought by tourism and the inconveniences felt by the local population.

À lire travel advisory for the United States for a popular cruise destination

A constantly increasing influx #

Nice, with its famous Bay of Angels, has seen its tourist attendance soar, establishing itself as the top tourist destination in France after Paris. A frantic pace is emerging: each year, around 10 million tourists stroll through its streets, mingling with residents. This cohabitation, while sometimes harmonious, takes on the appearance of conflict when the daily lives of Nice residents are disrupted. Accounts from individuals like Alban, Sophie, or Albert illustrate the inconveniences: the difficulty of moving around, the feeling of invasion, and even the expression of exasperation at a city that has literally become overcrowded during peak season.

A worrying state of affairs #

The scientific director of the Côte d’Azur Tourism Institute, Jean-Christophe Gay, notes a troubling evolution; tourists are increasingly entering the heart of residential neighborhoods. Noise pollution, pollution, and soil artificialization are alarming consequences. Moreover, the rise of short-term rentals exacerbates the housing crisis by increasing pressure on the real estate market, making daily life for locals significantly more difficult.

Resentment towards the rise of tourism #

Local sentiments regarding tourism have crystallized around protests. A symbolic event has emerged: the “good riddance” festival in Old Nice, known as “Chau Barraca,” where residents express their frustration. On one hand, tourism generates significant economic returns, with 6.5 million overnight stays recorded and nearly 4.7 billion euros in economic impact, but on the other hand, residents struggle to manage the constant influx of visitors.

A delicate balance to find #

Opinions clash when discussing the future of tourism in Nice. For some, like Rudy Salles, deputy president of the Metropolitan Tourism Office, the fear of a questioning of the vitality of the local economy seems unfounded. For others, tourism is seen as a double-edged sword: an undeniable financial boost, but one that gradually undermines the living conditions of Nice residents. The resistance to tourism, paradoxically, can come from those who depend on it economically, triggering a duality between tourismphobia and tourismphilia.

À lire Plunge in Expedia’s stock following a disappointing travel request in the United States leading to lost earnings

Towards a necessary diversification of economic activities #

In light of these challenges, a call for change is being heard. Local stakeholders suggest diversifying economic activities beyond mere tourism. Initiatives for a more sustainable economy that is less dependent on tourism are intensifying. The idea would be to invest in other sectors, such as agri-food or low-carbon industries, in order to balance the local economy and alleviate the pressure on the living conditions of residents.