Bordeaux, sunny tourism

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It is no longer invented, France is the first international destination (1). It is home to tens of millions of tourists every year. Among the metropolises of France, Bordeaux attracts many. However, theyear 2020 marked by the Covid-19 apprehends its tourist attendance differentlyt. In order to respect the gestures of barriers and to curb the spread of the virus, many flights from abroad are cancelled. Traffic between countries is difficult if not impossible. It is a demand within the tourism market that is plummeting. This is why, some major cities such as Bordeaux, decides to capitalize on a new approach to the clientele and to capitalize on a tourist formula that crosses the eras, namely local tourism and wine gold mainly.

Conquering local tourism

In 2014, 5.8 million tourists came close to Bordeaux, according to Bordeaux Metropole (2). In 2019, it’s “6.35 million nights taxed in 2019 (up 4.8%) and 7.7 million air passengers (up 13%)” according to Bordeaux Tourism (3). Bordeaux has welcomed more and more people over the years. The French, especially Parisians, are particularly fond of the capital of New Aquitaine. This is demonstrated by a survey conducted by Trainline; leading independent platform for the sale of train and bus tickets. Indeed, the survey conducted between 1 and 30 June 2020 shows that among the inhabitants of France, Parisians love Bordeaux culture and architecture. The Lillois, Toulousains or Marseillais are not left out and are just behind Paris in the rankings. According to the same survey, Bordeaux is the 4th most popular destination for tourists in France. The city is at the foot of the podium, and has been there for several years. This proves that the charm of Bordeaux is timeless, even this year, with the Covid-19.

The lovers of the city are faithful. Its inhabitants are proud of it. This is why, this year, in order to make up for the lack of demand from foreign tourists, Bordeaux is relying on local visitors. The city showcases certain monuments or activities that are essential to it. New offers and new formulas are then offered to travellers. This is the case, for example, for the famous City of Wine, which significantly lowers its prices for children. The perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the experience. The bet of local tourist traffic thus seems to work brilliantly for Bordeaux.

Bordeaux, its economic assets always appreciated

What contributes to Bordeaux’s overseas fame are its historical riches. Among them, wine of course. Many wineries populate the girondin décor. Bordered by castles, fields of vines endlessly … Bordeaux wine has conquered the whole world. Indeed, every second in the world, 20 bottles of Bordeaux are sold. Bordeaux is also 65 appellations produced on 111,400 hectares. This represents the largest AOC vineyard in France according to Bordeaux Tourisme (3). The wine represents Bordeaux gold and weighs an unparalleled economic weight for the city, thanks for example to its famous Médoc wines.

The tourism sector also represents an important job offer for the city of Bordeaux. Although the latter will be less this year following the economic impact of Covid-19; it will still offer great professional opportunities for Bordeaux people who want to bounce back. Gastronomically, culturally or even within the labour market, Bordeaux is full of resources of all kinds. And that’s what tourists understood. Quieter than in previous years with the influx of many foreign tourists, this year is an opportunity for locals to discover or rediscover their city to support local businesses.

Sources

Trainline: www.trainline.fr/

City of Wine: www.laciteduvin.com

  1. Tourisme, du Ministère de l’économie, des finances et de la relance, mis à jour en avril 2020
  2. Bordeaux destination touristique exceptionnelle, de Bordeaux Métropole, de 2015
  3. Chiffres et classements, dossier de presse de Bordeaux Tourisme de 2019
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