Local business owners in Villefranche-sur-Mer gathered to protest a recent ban on cruise ships carrying over 900 passengers, imposed by Nice’s mayor, Christian Estrosi. Concerned about the economic impact, they argue that cruise tourism generates significant revenue and point to existing sustainable practices. Mayor Christophe Trojani plans to challenge the ban legally, emphasizing the need for a balance between environmental concerns and local economic activities. The international cruise industry also calls for reconsideration of the decision.
Local Professionals Rally Against Cruise Ship Ban
On Thursday evening, a diverse group of restaurateurs, merchants, hoteliers, taxi drivers, dock workers, and officials from the Maritime Union convened in Villefranche-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes. Their purpose was to voice their concerns regarding the unexpected prohibition of large cruise ships, a decision made by Nice’s mayor, Christian Estrosi, just a week prior. The local business community is apprehensive, as they estimate that the presence of these cruise liners brings in between 10 and 15 million euros in revenue.
Impact of the Cruise Ship Ban
Last Friday, Christian Estrosi (Horizons) issued an order banning cruise ships carrying over 900 passengers from docking in the Nice metropolitan area, effectively discouraging such vessels from visiting this picturesque stretch of the Côte d’Azur. This decision primarily affects Villefranche-sur-Mer. The mayor cites concerns over “over-tourism” and “pollution” from these massive ships, seeking to emulate Venice’s approach, where similar bans have been in place since August 2021. Annually, around a hundred cruises visit this beautiful bay, one of the most sought-after locations along the French Riviera.
Despite the inclement weather, nearly 200 individuals gathered at the Villefranche citadel to express their opposition, including Nicolas Plumion, president of the Maritime Union of 06, and the local mayor, Christophe Trojani. They highlighted the existence of a “sustainable cruise” charter designed to regulate the number of incoming ships, which had been collaboratively developed with the metropolitan authorities. They pointed out that only 80 cruise stops are planned for 2025, a significant reduction from the nearly 200 recorded in 2010.
Nicolas Plumion criticized the mayor’s recent order, suggesting it represents a flawed local strategy lacking consultation. He stated, “The blue economy is thus stigmatized and sacrificed, jeopardizing many local businesses and the jobs that depend on them.” He further emphasized the absurdity of the situation by saying, “It’s no longer the boats that are smoking but arbitrary decisions that are clouding our view.”
According to the Maritime Union, the repercussions of this ban extend beyond the restaurant and hotel sectors, affecting dockers, tour guides, coach operators, and port services that facilitate shuttles between cruise ships and the dock.
Mayor Christophe Trojani humorously remarked on the situation, expressing surprise at the extent of the controversy. He clarified, “I’m not here to defend cruising, but to defend Villefranche-sur-Mer,” and insisted on balancing environmental concerns with economic activity. He denounced the decision as an overreach by Estrosi, vowing to pursue legal action for a suspension of the ban.
Nicolas Plumion asserted that the community had already implemented self-regulation measures without waiting for top-down mandates. “We will have to fight,” he affirmed, standing alongside the mayor in support of the French shipbuilding industry in Saint-Nazaire. They also noted that the dockers’ CGT union backs their cause, underscoring that this issue transcends political lines. They expressed astonishment at being targeted while an extension of Nice airport is underway.
The international cruise company association also expressed their shock at this decision, urging local authorities to reconsider the ban in the interest of both local businesses and travelers eager to explore the region. This order, made public by Christian Estrosi, will undergo a legality review by the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture, potentially leading to further legal action.