Back-season tourism, an opportunity to seize

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The back season is a time when summer tourism continues, after the start of the school year. It is in the continuity of the summer holidays, rather preferred by employees or retirees who prefer to shift their holidays outside the high season. This offers tourists many advantages. Accommodation rates are cheaper, with a wider choice than in the summer. Families often book their leave several months in advance. In this period of COVID-19, many tourists postpone their departure, for more tranquility.

The back season, a good time to travel

Tourism-related behaviour has changed this year, impacted by COVID-19. Tourists have turned more towards national tourism, rather than international tourism. This is due to strict health measures, but also to the closure of certain borders to French nationals. For tourism companies, or those who rely heavily on it, such as catering, this is good news. Solidarity with the most impacted occupations helps to mobilize and reduce the economic impact of containment. Containment is synonymous with many shutdown establishments. New Aquitaine, as for the summer season, is appreciated during the back season. It offers pleasant temperatures, and many activities. The ocean, the city with Bordeaux and its oenotourism positioning are advantages that make the difference. It attracts a different type of tourist, to the delight of professionals.

In addition, tourists are turning to more rural destinations. After more than a month in confinement, tourists from major cities want to reconnect with nature. Thus, they seek to discover their heritage, while enjoying the relaxing calm of nature. This is called “Slow Tourism.” The Regional Tourism Committee (LRC) has decided to set up initiatives to promote domestic tourism. It has also teamed up with AirBnB to highlight little-known destinations, to revive tourism in these less-frequented areas. New Aquitaine is also a reference in eco-tourism, enjoying many parks and forest areas. It has 17,440 square metres of natural parks and more than one million hectares of forest. Another major asset for the region, and not least, is the wine-growing areas that develop wine tourism.

Tourism offers to boost professional activity

The peak season is over, and tourism professionals are already starting to take stock of their summer. A particularly new summer, with a rather positive balance sheet in some sectors and geographical areas. This is the case, for example, of the hotel industry, or services such as bicycle rentals. Other sectors, such as culture or catering, are a little more in trouble. The health constraints put in place do not allow customers to be received in optimal conditions. In restaurants, for example, the number of seats is greatly reduced, in order to respect distances. The shows and concert halls have not yet been able to resume their activity. A blow for large venues like the Arkéa Arena in Bordeaux, which has postponed or cancelled a large number of events.

On the other hand, other sectors have found a way to ensure their back season by offering unique activities. The Troplong Mondot estate, located in Saint-Emilion, is a wine producer. To develop his business, he has set up a guest room service, and allows a privileged few to attend the harvests carried out within the estate. Visitors can discover the whole other side of the scenery and taste some wines, and stay in the heart of the Castle. While COVID-19 has had an impact on tourism, professionals in different sectors intend to seize the opportunity of the back-season. An opportunity to seduce and discover the heritage and beautiful landscapes of our region.

Sources:

BORDEAUX Business – June 23, 2020 – Slow Tourism, a return to basics?

BORDEAUX Business – 4 June 2020 – AirBNB, domestic tourism

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