Tourism: Key milestones of the centenary of the Moulins tourist office

IN SHORT

  • Creation date : January 23, 1924
  • Historical evolution : From a tourism initiative to a modern tourist office
  • Legal change : New status planned for 2025
  • Context : Reaction to the influx of curious visitors in the early 20th century
  • Regional presence : One of the oldest tourist offices in Auvergne
  • Economic impact : Revelation of the potential of tourism for local development
  • Festive events : Celebrations dedicated to the centenary in December 2024

On the occasion of its centenary, the tourist office of Moulins dives into its rich and inspiring history. Since its creation in 1924, this office has gone through the ages and has adapted to the developments in tourism. This article highlights the main milestones that have marked this adventure, as well as the impact of these changes on Moulins and its region.

The beginnings of the tourist office: 1924

January 23, 1924 is an emblematic date for Moulins, as it is on this day that the Bourbonnais initiative syndicate of Moulins and its region was born. Established at 3, cour Moret, this syndicate was founded at the initiative of the Société d’Émulation du Bourbonnais, a group of scholars motivated by the increasing wave of inquiries from visitors. At a time when other cities, such as Vichy, were also creating their initiative syndicates, Moulins stands out with this early initiative. This creation reflects a awareness of the economic potential represented by tourism.

The evolution of the office’s missions

Over the decades, the tourist office of Moulins has undergone numerous transformations and has broadened its missions. From its inception, its main goal was to inform visitors and promote the riches of the region. But over time, its responsibilities diversified, integrating ticketing services, organizing cultural events, and creating tourist itineraries. These evolutions have allowed the office to adapt to the new expectations of tourists while enhancing Moulins’ attractiveness.

A turning point for the future: change of status in 2025

In 2025, the tourist office of Moulins will prepare for a change of legal status. This turning point marks a new stage in its evolution, allowing it to gain greater autonomy and operational flexibility that will facilitate its adaptation to future challenges. This change comes in a context where visitors’ expectations are rapidly evolving, with an increasing need for authentic and quality experiences. Therefore, the tourist office must be attentive to these changes to continue its mission successfully.

Celebrating the centenary: a look towards the future

To celebrate its centenary, the team at the tourist office has not only looked back but also forward. The festivities organized will aim to strengthen ties with the local community while projecting the office into a dynamic focused on innovation. The planned events will highlight the richness of Bourbonnais heritage and underscore the essential role of the office in sustainable tourism development in the region.

A review after 100 years of commitment

The assessment after one hundred years of commitment is clear: the tourist office of Moulins has become a key player in the regional tourism landscape. Thanks to its role in information, promotion, and organization, it has helped shape the image of Moulins as a destination of choice. By celebrating this centenary, the office is not only celebrating a date but also a rich history of contributions to local tourism, and above all, an ambitious future vision to attract even more curious visitors eager to discover the treasures of Moulins.