Back-to-School in Dordogne: Unusual Events and Nightlife to Boost Tourism

While the major tourist sites seem to have done well, holidaymakers have been more reluctant to go to campsites and restaurants.

Christophe Gravier does not yet have the final figures, but the director of the Departmental Tourism Committee for over ten years has enough perspective to draw the main lessons from the past season.

Did summer attendance in the Dordogne live up to your expectations?

Overall, it seems that attendance at the major tourist sites was not so bad. The strong point of the Périgord remains the classic prehistory and castles section.

What were the major trends of the season?

Tourist sites had a more upscale clientele than usual. They offered a whole range of activities, such as evening events. These were very successful, particularly due to the heatwave. This allowed them to increase the number of hours of visits, spread out attendance, and attract a different type of clientele, those who prefer events.

What about green tourism?

Outdoor activities are growing. We've seen an explosion in the number of people using the Flow Vélo cycle path and, more generally, hiking trails. The Department and the local authorities have invested, and it's working. Landscapes are also a key element of attractiveness.

Does this mean that urban areas are being shunned?

Not necessarily. The best way to attract people is to offer them an experience, especially crazy, offbeat tours. Tourist offices are currently developing a genuine offering. Overall, visitors still have a strong appetite for cities of art and history and beautiful villages.

What can sites and tourist offices do to continue attracting visitors?

We need to improve our positioning on the unusual. Visitors love discoveries off the beaten track; they come looking for anything authentic.

Despite the good level of attendance at major tourist sites, the hotel and restaurant industry seems to have had a more complicated season...

Overall, we're seeing a decline in overnight stays. I have the impression that campsites have failed. At the same time, we've seen an explosion in furnished tourist accommodation. Between January and August, Airbnb bookings increased by 5% compared to last year. This is particularly true for July, with an 8% increase.

The restaurant industry has also struggled to survive. There is a kind of psychological crisis.

How does the end of the season look?

I remain cautious. Political instability risks having an impact on visitor behavior. We must continue our promotion to attract local customers, those from neighboring departments: Lot, Corrèze, Haute-Vienne. They can come and spend a short weekend in Périgord, eat a good meal, spend a night, and leave again.