« Election years are always complicated for camps, but especially on a human level. Because they divide people! » Jean-Baptiste Daghréou, the chairman of the Federation Open hotels in Charente-Maritime and Nouvelle-Aquitaine are not hiding their fears ahead of legislative elections on June 30 and July 7.
“This time is worse than anything. Yes…
« Election years are always complicated for camps, but especially on a human level. Because they divide people! » Jean-Baptiste Daghréou, the chairman of the Federation Open hotels in Charente-Maritime and Nouvelle-Aquitaine are not hiding their fears ahead of legislative elections on June 30 and July 7.
“This time is worse than anything. Whatever the outcome of the vote, there will be a lot of unhappy people! How do we manage people who are so opposed to each other to live together in peace in our institutions? What if we have demonstrations in the streets that shut down the country in July? »
Will we need places for those who vote and think otherwise? And everyone will meet for an aperitif?
The operator of the Châtelaillon-Plage campsite explains that the “social” climate in these recreation and holiday destinations is already experiencing real tensions. “We welcome everyone, we do not engage in politics. But the word is clearly released… We hear things we don’t hear in reception and elsewhere, anger. So, on the one hand, we will need places for those who vote and think differently? Do you think everyone will meet for an aperitif? »
A scare that adds to a chaotic start to the season. After a “failed” April because it was too wet, the month of May saved by bridges and public holidaysThe “disastrous” weather in June (until the Fête de la Musique) kept the usual foreign customers away.
“When a tourist leaves the Netherlands or Germany, it takes roughly the same travel time to arrive in New Aquitaine as it does going Southeast. But if you want to spend a week or two in the rain, the choice is made quickly. As a result, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur they have +16 or +17% participation in June compared to last year, and negative for us…” Foreign customers are 75-80 people. Participation % in June, in July compared to only 50% and 20% in August.
Disappointing June
As for bookings for July-August, it will average -15 to -20% in Charente-Maritime, “but some colleagues are at -50% and -80%… You can book from August 10 to 20 you can find a reservation. Trouble today, including Ile de Ré… When the collapse was announced, we felt a clear brake! Since then, instead of four new bookings per day, it has been one every two days. »
The last return of the sun brings the hope of a better recharge. But this Monday, June 24, “for many operators, the week of July 7 to 14 (after the second round of legislative elections, editor’s note) remains practically empty! We will have to settle for a six-week high season, not eight. » Conclusion: “There are businesses that need investment but probably won’t be able to.” »
Outdoor living in Charente-Maritime and Nouvelle-Aquitaine is “not good at all” at the end of June. So the rest of the season depends, as always, on the weather and, more unusually, the outcome of the election.