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Overtourism: the residents of Aix-en-Provence have had enough of the influx of cruise passengers
The residents of Aix-en-Provence protest against overtourism. The reason for this is the cruise ships that dock in Marseille and then visit the city center by bus.
(France 2)
The residents of Aix-en-Provence protest against overtourism. The reason for this is the cruise ships that dock in Marseille and then visit the city center by bus.
Guided tours in all languages follow each other in English or Chinese in Aix-en-Provence (Bouches-du-Rhône). This day groups have just disembarked from their cruise ship. They have three hours to explore the city while following their guide. Laëticia Dubois is waiting for them in front of her nougat shop, a tray in her hand. Cruise lines represent 80% of their customers. “We have them every day, whether it’s morning or afternoon, they can arrive at 5 p.m.”she says.
However, not all merchants benefit from this customer base. “They trace immediately”, regrets Abdel Lakli, restaurateur. In 2023, 2.5 million cruise passengers arrived in Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône), or 36% more than the previous year. Mass tourism is gaining importance throughout the region. In Aix-en-Provence, the parade of cruise passengers is starting to irritate some residents. One of them even calls himself ‘invaded’.
