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IN BRIEF
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The Bassin d’Arcachon, known for its natural beauty and maritime activities, is facing a major challenge: mass tourism. During her first official visit, the Minister Delegate for Tourism, Nathalie Delattre, expressed her desire to promote necessary regulation to preserve this unique ecosystem. Her meeting with stakeholders in the sector aimed to address the issues related to the overpopulation in this popular destination.
A revealing meeting with tourism stakeholders #
This Friday morning, Nathalie Delattre chose to visit Gujan-Mestras, an emblematic place in the Bassin, to directly engage with sector professionals. Accompanied by various local elected officials, she witnessed the extent of the overtourism phenomenon affecting the region, particularly due to more than 2 million annual visitors to the Dune du Pilat. This overpopulation results in concrete problems, such as massive traffic jams, especially during the summer, and a shortage of housing for workers in the hospitality industry.
The concerns of residents regarding overtourism #
Residents of the Bassin d’Arcachon are increasingly worried about the repercussions of mass tourism. Between the saturation of infrastructures and the urgent need for seasonal housing, their call for solutions has become pressing. The Minister gathered the concerns of these local stakeholders, who are requesting more thoughtful management of the influx of tourists. Indeed, the malaise felt by residents is palpable and requires a collective response.
Fully committed to sustainable tourism #
During exchanges with local elected officials and tourism professionals, Nathalie Delattre reaffirmed the need to adopt a model of sustainable tourism. According to her, it is not just about maintaining the status quo of a global top position in terms of tourist attendance. On the contrary, she advocated for a renewal of practices, aiming for more resilient tourism spread throughout the entire year. A pivot towards tourism that not only respects natural resources but also the needs of residents.
Support for local initiatives #
At the heart of the discussions, the minister highlighted local initiatives aimed at strengthening the cultural identity of the area. Tasting cabins, open all year round and having welcomed over 1.3 million visitors over the past year, perfectly illustrate the potential of tourism that respects the seasons and the region’s hosting capabilities. By supporting sustainable activities, the Bassin d’Arcachon could see its attendance better spread throughout the year, thus alleviating pressure during the summer.
À lire the classic and sports car show in the United Kingdom on June 7th and 8th, 2025
A political will to change the game #
Nathalie Delattre, aware of the environmental and societal issues related to tourism, thus proposes to structure the sector to promote “sustainable tourism“, far from the ravages of mass tourism. This will is accompanied by special attention to the living conditions of seasonal workers, whose precariousness is exacerbated by the irregular influx of visitors. The blue economy and sustainable development are therefore becoming essential levers for the future of the Bassin d’Arcachon.
Future perspectives for the tourism sector #
With this momentum towards regulating mass tourism, the Bassin d’Arcachon could become a model for other fragile destinations. The need for consultation among authorities, economic stakeholders, and residents is paramount to build a long-term perspective. The efforts of the minister announced that day take into account the desire for tourism that benefits from local resources without compromising their integrity. The replication of this approach could indeed inspire other coastal territories in France seeking a balance between maintaining places and tourism development.
