Inflation in prices at the pump, tourist overnight stays, but also… holidaymakers in seaside resorts, from Boulonnais (Pas-de-Calais) to Arcachon (Gironde): the Easter weekend resulted in seemingly paradoxical findings . A reflection of both the holiday desires of the French and the economic discrimination underlying this form of leisure.
The Easter weekend at his large campsite in the Dordogne, Gé Kusters first describes it as ” excellent “ then, on reflection, as “phenomenal”. “We had a musical evening, the yard was full. It felt like summer! » The clientele was often French, even ultralocal, for this long break, which coincided with the holidays of almost all of the country, except for zone C (Ile-de-France and Occitanie).
At the start of the season, which is not very favorable for campsites, Le Paradis is cutting prices – less than 500 euros per week for a family cottage, despite the five stars – and welcomes all of motorized France. “A 1998 Clio rubs shoulders with Mercedes’ electric SUV”, remarks Mr. Kusters. Does he see, on the parking lot or in his reservation tables, any impact of inflation or geopolitical upheavals? Not in the least, he replies.
The presidential election, the uncertainty prevailing at the international level and the fears linked to purchasing power should in theory weigh on leisure consumption. Until then, however, there is no indication for these first school holidays after the abandonment of the health pass. The savings accumulated during the Covid-19 crisis overcome inflation, which, in tourism, is creeping in.
“The crisis is very differentiated according to the households”
For the spring break period, from April 8 to May 9, the SCNF sold 7.2 million long-distance tickets, an increase of 3% compared to the pre-crisis period in 2019. The occupancy rate Gîtes de France (43%) clearly exceeds the record recorded for spring holidays (Brittany, Normandy and Pays de la Loire are in the lead). And this, before last minute reservations, accelerated by favorable weather. Booking levels for the summer are also ahead. Logis Hotels welcomes this, which forecasts increased turnover, particularly with French customers.
So many figures which remind us that households suffering from inflation are not those who allow themselves extended stays in paid accommodation, a practice which concerns a large third of French households. This is even more true for vacationers abroad, despite the slight increase in the cost of the plane. “For customers who travel abroad, questions of purchasing power hardly arise”, summarizes Jean-Pierre Mas, president of Entreprises du Voyage, who sees reservations returned to 90% of the 2019 level.
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