The Alpes-Maritimes tourism season has lost momentum after a strong start, with July trade described as sluggish and August bookings already running behind last year's pace at the same point, according to ICI Azur.
Éric Abihssira, president of the hospitality industry body UMIH Nice Azur et Haut Pays, said July had underperformed relative to a typically strong month, leaving hoteliers and restaurateurs uneasy even as last minute bookings helped soften the impact. "July was more sluggish than usual, with a certain level of concern among tourism and restaurant professionals," he said, pointing to the wider geopolitical climate as a likely factor behind the slowdown rather than anything specific to the region itself.
The dip follows an exceptional June that had set expectations high for the rest of the summer. Industry figures are now watching closely to see whether the traditionally strong final weeks of August can close the gap left by a softer July.