“We need an exhibition space that is four to five times larger.” This simple statement summarizes Christian Estrosi’s “Tourism” program. The new mayor of Nice wants to do “more” in the tourism sector. A total of 50,000 sq m of exhibition halls will be constructed in the Ecovallée (Plaine du Var) on the site of the current MIN not far from the multimodal station and the future large stadium, which could serve as an additional space if needed.
Another important announcement: a facility comparable to Monaco’s Salle des Etoiles will be built on the current Sulzer parking lot, featuring a broad opening towards the sea by extending the Promenade des Anglais beneath it. “Nice lacks a prestigious hall. The notaries had to set up in the Expositions Palace,” laments Christian Estrosi. He demands excellence and continues his criticism of the former municipal team: “We need to ask why Nice has become a city generally forgotten in terms of conventions.” He regrets that Cannes has moved ahead and that Nice is ranked as the 22nd congress city behind Saint-Etienne. “It is necessary to rebuild the tourist policy and adapt it to the realities of the 21st century. Nice must be identified as a major tourist hub of excellence, with both glamour and authenticity.” The outlines of Christian Estrosi’s tourism program are thus drawn. Work will begin in a few months on Sulzer parking after completing studies and considering the best value for money, at Acropolis, with GL Events to improve the structure (19 million euros by the city of Nice and 6.3 million by GL Events).
Rudy Salles discussed the Carnival of 2009. He confirmed the free promenades, paid stands, and the return to Place Masséna. He promised to “reconnect with the true Nice Carnival” by making it accessible to both a popular and high-end audience. The challenges set by Christian Estrosi and Rudy Salles are launched. The task now is to meet them.
