Val d'Amboise: The tourist office is reinventing itself!

IN BRIEF

Reform of the structure of the tourism office validated on December 12, 2024.
Change of presidency following a conflict with Amboise.
Reduction of the board of directors from 27 to 11 members.
Members include elected officials and representatives from the tourism sector.
Reform aimed at regaining control over the office’s directions.
Criticism regarding the legality of the deliberation, potential for appeal.
The mayor of Amboise, Brice Ravier, expresses satisfaction regarding the reform.

On December 12, 2024, the Val d’Amboise community council made a significant decision, validating a major reform aimed at restructuring the local tourism office. This initiative, which comes after a year of disagreements, particularly with the city of Amboise and the former president, aims to revitalize and reposition the tourism office as a central player in local development.

Context and stakes of the reform #

The necessity of this reform arises from a persistent conflict between the City of Amboise and the tourism office. At the heart of this disagreement was notably the issue of the tourist tax, which fueled tensions between the former president, Christine Fauquet, and the other involved parties. The goal of this reorganization is to create a more effective framework and to optimize resources to better meet the expectations of visitors and local professionals.

A new governance for a promising future #

The changes brought about by this reform include modifying the statutes of the EPIC (Public Establishment with Industrial and Commercial Character). Indeed, the number of members of the board of directors will be reduced from 27 to 11 members, consisting of seven community-elected officials and four representatives from the tourism professions. The objective is to ensure faster and more agile decision-making, better suited to the current realities of tourism in the region.

A new president to guide the office #

Following this vote, a new president will be elected at a forthcoming meeting, scheduled before the end of the year. This election will be crucial in steering the tourism office’s strategy toward innovative prospects that could energize the area. The atmosphere of exchanges during the council showed a collective desire to move forward and infuse new momentum.

Reactions from local actors #

Reactions to this reform have been swift. The mayor of Amboise, Brice Ravier, expressed his pleasure at this new direction, promising an ambitious project for the tourist development of the municipality. Conversely, opponents fear that this reorganization is merely a push for political settling of scores, particularly from former mayor Thierry Boutard. He has expressed reservations regarding the direction taken by this new governance.

Toward an uncertain legal future #

While the reform seems largely accepted, doubts linger regarding its legality. Blandine Benoist, an elected official, raised questions that could lead to legal challenges. She mentioned possible nullification risks, thus raising concerns about adherence to administrative procedures. Christine Fauquet has also referred the matter to the legal control of the prefecture, adding a potentially conflicting dimension to this transformation.

Impacts on local tourism #

Finally, this structural transformation of the Val d’Amboise tourism office is eagerly awaited by local economic actors. By optimizing the offer and strengthening governance, the aim is to make the office a strategic tool, capable of effectively addressing the challenges of contemporary tourism and attracting an ever-wider audience.