2022 promises to be a very good year for French tourism and this is also true for the zoo park of Beauval, in the Loir-et-Cher. The site, which is already the most visited in the Centre-Val de Loire region, could beat a new record with 2 million visitors over the year. ” We are indeed on a very good year. If we compare to 2019, that is to say before the two years of health crisis, we already have 35% more attendance.” Explain Rodolphe Delord, the director of Beauval. ” Obviously, for us, the season does not stop at the end of August. We often have a good off-season. This means that we should reach 2 million visitors by December 31“.
There is a Panda effect…but not only
– Emeline Ferry
10 years after reaching one million visitors, Beauval is therefore preparing to beat a new record. ” It’s pretty amazing, it has to be said.” insists Rodolphe Delord. ” There is a panda effect, especially with the birth of twins a year ago. But not only.” For the owner of the place, the site takes full advantage of the new habits of the French. “Since the covid, they favor short stays on outdoor sites like ours.”
In project: a new aviary and a new hotel
A few years ago, Beauval experienced peaks in attendance with problems of traffic and access to the site. Today, by reaching 2 million visitors, one can wonder if Beauval is not in danger of being a victim of its own success. “Now the season really lasts all year round. Apart from the Ascension weekend, we haven’t had a peak. In addition, Beauval has expanded and we are well organized to welcome the public in the best terms.”
For the next two years, Beauval plans 50 million euros of investment with a new entrance for the public, the construction of a large aviary and the opening of a 5th hotel.