Tourist attendance in Corsica.

Tourist numbers in Corsica are generally quite high, especially during the high summer season. The natural beauty of the island, with its sandy beaches, majestic mountains and picturesque villages, attracts many visitors each year. It is no coincidence that it is nicknamed the Island of Beauty.

Description of Corsica.

Corsica is located in the Mediterranean Sea, politically belonging to France. Here is a detailed description of its characteristics in different areas:
Geographical location: Corsica is located in the western basin of the Mediterranean Sea, in the southeast of mainland France, approximately 170 kilometers from the French coast. It is also close to Italy, being located approximately 80 kilometers from the Sardinian coast.
Area: The island of Corsica has a total area of approximately 8,680 square kilometers, making it the fourth largest Mediterranean island after Sicily, Sardinia and Cyprus.
Geography: Corsica is known for its varied geography. It is dominated by a mountain range, culminating at Monte Cinto at 2,706 meters above sea level, making it the highest mountain on the island. The coasts of Corsica offer a mix of white sandy beaches, secluded coves and spectacular cliffs.
Climate: The climate is Mediterranean in Corsica. Summers are mostly hot and dry; winters are mostly mild and humid. Summer temperatures can reach 30 degrees Celsius, while winters are generally mild on the coast, but can be colder in mountainous regions.
Population: The population of Corsica is around 340,000 inhabitants, with a relatively low population density compared to other French regions.
Economy: Corsica's economy is mainly based on tourism, agriculture (notably the production of wine and citrus fruits) and services. Tourism remains particularly strong during the summer season, with visitors coming from all over the world to enjoy the beaches, outdoor activities and Corsican culture.
Culture and language: Corsica has a rich and distinct culture, with its own language, Corsican, although French is also widely spoken. Corsican music, traditional polyphonic songs and local gastronomy represent important elements of the island's cultural identity.

The evolution of tourism in Corsica.

Tourism professionals in Corsica are now pinning their hopes on the month of August, even if the outlook already appears less than encouraging, with reservations representing only 40% of the island's total capacity. This figure of 40% also reveals the importance of the tourism sector in local GDP. If the summer tourist season fails to generate sufficient revenue, the entire economy of the region risks being affected. The 2023 summer season recorded 9.3 million tourist nights in Corsica, however marking a significant drop of 8.1% compared to the previous year, i.e. a decrease of 824,000 nights. This unexpected drop mainly affected campsites, reflecting a loss of appeal among French customers which impacted all types of accommodation. The largest declines were noted at the heart of the summer season, with occupancy rates down compared to the previous year. Additionally, tourist lengths of stay have also decreased, contributing to the overall reduction in the number of overnight stays.
These trends are aggravated by the inflationary economic context in mainland France, and the post-health crisis transition. The choices and decisions of French tourists likely played a key role in these figures, significantly impacting the Corsican tourist destination during the 2023 summer season.
Faced with this situation, an essential question arises: what measures and strategies put in place would revive the tourist appeal of Corsica and ensure the vitality of its local economy in the long term?