Nice will be the world cycling capital this summer. For the first time in history, the Tour de France will not arrive in Paris but in the Riviera capital. With three stages in Maralpine territory on July 19, 20 and 21, the city of Nice will benefit from a strong influx of tourists to boost the hotel sector.
With mountain finishes at Isola 2000 and the Col de la Couillole, then a time trial between Monaco and Nice, the suspense over the final victory should be preserved until the end. Hotels will therefore be able to benefit from the profile of the stages, which are more exciting, for a more attractive arrival than the usual stage on the Champs-Élysées.
An increase in reservations and prices
Nice hotels are already seeing an increase in reservations over the period in question. “We are at 80% occupancy for the Tour de France dates, but we know we are going to be at 100% “, explains Anélya, receptionist manager at the Univers hotel, the 4-star hotel located on rue de la Liberté. Strong demand is leading to an increase in prices: “for a standard room, it costs 234 euros per night, this is our maximum price in high season “, specifies the manager.
At the Nap hotel, a 3-star hotel on rue Pastorelli, you need to pay at least 283 euros for a room, compared to 229 euros in normal times. “And it is likely to increase over time “, confides an employee. As for seasonal rentals, it is possible to find apartments for around 100 euros per night on the Airbnb platform.
Accommodate tourists, but not only…
In addition to the visitors, it is also necessary to accommodate the entire organization of the Grande Boucle. “Hotels more on the outskirts, particularly in the L’Arénas district, should be popular, because parking lots are needed to park all the trucks “, underlines Eric Abihssira, president of the Nice Côte d’Azur Hotel Trades and Industries Union. Certain establishments in the city center will also have the chance to welcome the Tour cycling teams.
Other timely events
The three stages will not be the only events organized in Maralpine territory this summer. On July 7, “L’Étape du Tour”, reserved for amateur cyclists, will connect Nice to the Col de la Couillole. We expect more than 16,000 runners on the roads of Nice and the hinterland. “The fallout will be impressive, thousands of people will book their stays at the beginning of July “, explains Eric Abihssira.
A boon for the tourist sector, while the peak period normally does not arrive until mid-July, the event will allow high attendance from the start of the month. “We’re going to have a record month of July, I’m not afraid to say it “, concludes the hotelier. An economic sector which should also benefit from the men’s and women’s football matches in the Olympic Games tournaments from July 24 to 31.
No need for a CV to be hired
“We are looking for talent,” says Jean-François Jourdan, director of accommodation at the Fairmont Monte Carlo. The Jobs au talent day organized at the Novotel Nice Center Vieux-Nice allows candidates to apply without a curriculum vitae. Recruitment is carried out in four areas: reception, accommodation, service and cuisine. Applicants are put in a situation by recruiters who pose as clients.
“Social skills are the most important”
This new job interview format involves an evolution of the selection criteria. “We really rely on feeling, personality. This system allows you to see who is more comfortable,” explains Dimitri, reception recruiter for Accor. “All CVs are the same, we need more people,” he continues. Hiring criteria are changing radically according to Jean-François Jourdan: “We rely much more on smiles, presence and friendliness. Soft skills are the most important, because if a candidate lacks skills, we can train them. »
“We are chosen for who we are”
The absence of a CV particularly benefits younger people, who often see job offers pass them by due to lack of experience. “We can focus on our personality, it’s easier to stand out,” emphasizes Jeff, a candidate. I prefer this type of interview, it’s more human. We are chosen for who we are and not for what we wrote on a piece of paper. »