French region offers fuel discounts to lure summer tourists

A region in southern France has launched a fuel incentive program for the first 100 tourists who choose to spend their summer holidays there, hoping to boost visitor numbers, according to Le Figaro.

The tourism agency of the Gavarnie Valleys (Vallées de Gavarnie) in Hautes-Pyrénées, a region in southern France near the Spanish border, has announced a €50 fuel voucher for the first 100 holidaymakers who take part in the initiative.

To qualify for the bonus, visitors must book at least two nights of accommodation at one of the program’s partner establishments for stays between June 1 and July 31. However, the period from July 7 to July 11 has been excluded due to the passage of the Tour de France, as local tourism operators are not concerned about attracting visitors during those dates.

The idea emerged after the Easter holiday period, when tourist arrivals fell well below expectations. Booking activity in May also failed to show any significant increase.

Local tourism industry representatives believe the main reason behind the weaker demand is the rising cost of living, particularly higher fuel prices, combined with declining consumer purchasing power.

By Jeyhun Aghazada