Tourism development is evolving in response to factors such as climate change, tourist expectations, and the local context. This includes focusing on issues such as sustainability, inclusion, authentic experiences, and local know-how.
To guide this process, Montpellier Métropole is launching its new Sustainable Tourism 2030 strategy, in line with itsCAP 2030 roadmap, which is designed to enhance the area’s image while reinforcing its attractiveness, economic structure and employment, reducing inequalities, and unleashing energies and talents.
In order to accomplish this, all tourism stakeholders, as well as local residents, will be invited to take part in defining the roadmap. This roadmap will be based on the:
- Montpellier Destination Contract 2023-2025
- Tourism strategies already implemented in the fields of contemporary creation, nature activities, and wine tourism
- Charter for hosting major events
- Various destination labels,such as “Pays d’Art et d’Histoire” (Land of Art and History), “Grand Site d’Occitanie” (Major Occitanie Site), and “Vignobles & Découvertes” (Vineyards & Discoveries)
Developing the new tourism strategy will be based on a participatory approach, taking into account the major challenge of striking a balance between economic development, attractiveness, environmental preservation, and quality of life for the area’s residents.
Joining Montpellier Métropole are theMontpellier Méditerranée Tourism and Convention Bureau, institutional partners, consular chambers, tourism-related organizations and players, and members of the community.
In the fall of this year, a major participatory workshop will kick off the co-planning process, followed by two workshops this winter, with the objective of presenting an action plan in the spring of 2025.
Key figures for tourism
The Montpellier Métropole area sees 5.2 million visitors per year and nearly 14 million commercial and non-commercial overnight stays. This represents a quarter of all overnight stays in the Hérault department. A project is in progress to set up an observatory of the economic, social and environmental impact of tourism in the area.
