Nice seeks to limit cruises starting in 2025 to reduce pollution and protect public health. Despite an economic impact, the Metropolis wishes to prioritize sustainable tourism based on major events.
In response to the increase in polluting emissions linked to cruises, the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis has decided to regulate this activity. From July 2025, restrictions will be implemented: a limit of 65 stopovers per year in the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, one ship per day, and a capacity of 2,500 passengers. For the port of Nice, the maximum capacity will be 450 passengers per ship.
A study conducted by the CCI Nice Côte d’Azur quantifies the economic losses associated with these measures. In 2025, Villefranche-sur-Mer would see its number of cruise passengers decrease by 50%, i.e., 78,581 passengers compared to the initially planned 157,314. The overall financial impact is estimated at 7.5 million euros, including 4.2 million lost in cruise passenger spending and 535,000 euros from taxes and fees. For Nice, the reduction in attendance would reach 25%, with an impact estimated at 643,600 euros.
In 2026, restrictions would be further tightened, with a 75% reduction in passengers at Villefranche, leading to an economic impact of 14 million euros. For Nice, the decrease would be 24%, with a loss estimated at 1 million euros.
A choice of tourism model
Christian Estrosi, mayor of Nice, justifies these measures due to the environmental and health urgency. According to a study by ATMOSUD, cruise ships are the main source of nitrogen oxide emissions in Villefranche-sur-Mer, with 48 tons per year, accounting for 71% of the total local emissions. These fumes also affect Nice, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
“The CCI study evaluates the economic impacts, but it does not take into account the effect on air quality and public health. The economic perspective cannot be the only criterion for decision making,” emphasizes Christian Estrosi.
Rather than relying on cruises, Nice’s tourism strategy focuses on hosting international events. The Tour de France 2024 generated 60 million euros in economic returns. Other events, such as the 2023 Rugby World Cup (148 million euros), the Ironman (22.5 million euros), and the Carnival of Nice (35 million euros), demonstrate a viable alternative to hosting large ships.
With these measures, the Metropolis is committed to a development choice focused on more sustainable tourism with less impact on the environment and residents.
