Fewer holidaymakers in July than last year in Aveyron

Les vacanciers sont attendus plus nombreux en août. Midi libre – M. C.

The departmental agency for attractiveness and tourism in Aveyron communicates the figures related to tourism for the month of July, more timid than last year. 

Were the tourists there this month of July in Aveyron ? Not totally. In view of the figures communicated by the departmental agency for tourism and attractiveness. "Overnight stays are slightly down compared to July 2023", it observes. The figure is down 1.4% from 2023, which was a particularly quiet month, according to the departmental agency. 1,871,719 overnight stays were recorded in 2024 compared to 1,898,444 in 2023. Figures corroborated by the feelings of tourism professionals. 660 responded to the agency's questions that surveyed feelings. "For the whole month of July, nearly six out of ten professionals surveyed consider their level of activity in July to be lower than the same month in 2023", reveals Aveyron's attractiveness as a tourist destination.

The Olympic Games effect felt in Aveyron

The Olympic Games effect is also felt in Aveyron. More Parisians are coming there for their holidays. They are among the top 5 departments most represented among French customers in July. Paris is 3rd and Hauts-de-Seine 5th. The neighbors from Hérault are the first, followed by the Haut-Garonnais. Among foreigners, the Netherlands wins the prize, ahead of the Belgians and the English.

For this first analysis of tourist numbers in Aveyron, the departmental agency relies on feedback from professionals. “The 2024 summer season got off to a late start, which was partly explained by the political situation and the unpredictable weather at the beginning of July, the agency notes in its summary. LTourism professionals are seeing a slight decline in French customers for the entire month compared to 2023. This decline is offset by the increase in foreign customers. However, it is important to highlight the presence of group customers in the first part of July."

"Optimism" for the month of August

"The month of August is highly anticipated by tourism service providers, representing the most popular month for many years", the agency continues in its analysis. Reservations are going well and are giving cause for optimism. In the outdoor hotel industry, "57% of respondents reported a good level of bookings for the month of August, this rate even climbs to 75% for professionals in the rental sector." "It was off to a very bad start and not very encouraging at the start, the last 15 days of July are
filled with last-minute bookings", observes a professional who responded to the questionnaire.

This touch of optimism can be boosted by the "very good image of the destination among tourists", according to the words of the departmental agency. "90% of positive opinions are recorded, customers highlight the quality of the services offered by the department, the warm welcome of the Aveyronnais and the beauty of the landscapes."