Tourism is the driving force of Nice’s economy, the city’s primary industry. Nice is the number one tourist city in France after Paris, with approximately 1.5 billion euros in economic benefits for nearly 4 million visitors, out of the 12 million for the Côte d’Azur.
However, Nice is also the leading national airport after Paris, with nearly 10 million passengers, 50 airlines, 105 destinations, the top conference city in France after Paris, the largest hotel capacity in France after Paris, accounting for one-third of the Côte d’Azur’s capacity: nearly 200 establishments representing approximately 10,000 rooms, the leading cruise port in France Nice/Villefranche with 515,000 passengers (excluding ferries), and lastly, 20,000 secondary residences have been registered in Nice, about 10% of existing housing;
Key tourism figures in Nice
- 12 million tourists per year on the Côte d’Azur, including 4 million for the City of Nice alone;
- Annual tourism revenues: 1.5 billion euros (30% of the city’s wealth);
- Tourism accounts for 18% of total employment;
- In 2010, the tourism tax represented 3.6 million euros;
- 52% of tourists are foreign (Italians, British, and Americans leading the list);
- One out of 100 visitors in Europe stays at least one night in Nice;
- More than one in three stays occur in hotels;
The city has 171 hotels with a capacity of 9,700 rooms, 65% of Nice’s hotel establishments are rated 3, 4, 5 stars, 13 hotel residences for nearly 798 apartments representing 2,200 beds. (In 1997, the city of Nice had 12 tourist residences) and more than 350 restaurants;
Nice hosts 3.6 million leisure tourists annually, representing 90% of Nice’s tourism market.
These tourists spend around 1 billion euros annually, and the average length of leisure stays is 7 nights, with 97% of visitors declaring themselves satisfied or very satisfied with their stay. Nine hotel establishments in Nice have received the “Qualité Tourisme” label and two hotel establishments have received the “Qualité Handicap” label (The label ensures efficiently and appropriately accommodating the essential needs of disabled people).
One in ten stays is dedicated to business tourism
Business tourism is a major resource for the local economy and represents 10% of the total tourist traffic in Nice, 30% of its tourism revenues (0.5 billion euros), and ¼ of its hotel nights;
Business tourism harmoniously complements Leisure Tourism, which is an essential complement for the city. Among the priority markets in this sector, are: France, the USA, Great Britain, Italy, Germany, and Northern Europe.
With an average spending of 268 euros/day, the business tourist spends 4 to 5 times more than a leisure tourist. The average length of business stays is 5 nights.
Main markets:
With around 2 million visitors housed, France remains our top market.
The United Kingdom (including Ireland) is “the” historical market of the Côte d’Azur (21% of foreign stays). It has seen significant growth over the past decade, thanks especially to demand generated by “low-cost” airlines.
Italian tourists (21% of foreign stays) are on par with those from the United Kingdom, followed by Germany which is making a comeback.
The United States and Canada hold the third position in terms of spending by their nationals (6% of stays on the Côte d’Azur).
Three other markets represent a potential of over 100,000 annual stays in Nice: Germany, the Scandinavian countries, and Spain.
Emerging markets with high potential also need to be mentioned: Russia, China, India, Persian Gulf countries (Emirates and Saudi Arabia), as well as niche markets in Latin America, Oceania, and South Africa.
Average tourism spending is 55 euros per person/day for Leisure Tourism (commercial and non-commercial accommodations) and 250 to 300 euros per person/day for Business Tourism.
Nice: hotel creation and renovation
The hotel occupancy rate in 2009 was 59% and stable in 2010. The crisis was more favorable in Nice than elsewhere, with a slight improvement in results (3%)
The investment by Nice hoteliers is estimated at 20 million euros per year in routine renovations. 59% of Nice’s hotels are rated 3 and 4 stars.
The design of the Hi Hôtel breathed new life and creativity into the industry, followed by the Palais de la Méditerranée, and then the Exedra from the Boscolo group.
In recent years, around fifty hotels and residences have opted for renovation in Nice amounting to nearly 200 million euros: Radisson SAS, Beau Rivage, the Négresco, and many others. Modernizations are on the agenda across all categories. Professionals are playing the charm card.
Hoteliers have adapted to customer expectations by successfully combining lifestyle and technology.
New concepts allow meeting business clients’ demands: “business rooms,” rooms that transform into offices during the day, with workspaces and multimedia equipment.
Creativity is evident in all sectors of activity but also touches all categories of Nice’s hospitality from 1* to 5*.
