The Union des entreprises de proximité (U2P) has called on French holidaymakers to abandon plans to travel to Portugal this summer and instead spend their holidays in Gironde, a region devastated by wildfires in 2022. The appeal aims to boost local businesses still recovering from the blazes that destroyed thousands of hectares of forest.
According to the U2P, the Gironde region, particularly the areas around Landiras and La Teste-de-Buch, suffered significant economic damage. Local tourism, a key industry, saw a sharp decline in visitors during and after the fires. The U2P argues that choosing Gironde over foreign destinations like Portugal would provide much-needed revenue for small businesses, hotels, and restaurants.
The call comes as France prepares for the summer holiday season, with many families planning trips abroad. The U2P emphasizes that supporting local tourism is crucial for the region's recovery, which is still ongoing. The organization also highlights the environmental benefits of reducing air travel.
While the appeal is directed at French consumers, it also serves as a reminder of the long-term impact of the 2022 wildfires, which burned over 20,000 hectares in Gironde and forced thousands of evacuations. The region has since invested in fire prevention and reforestation efforts.
