BOATS The week devoted to promoting and transmitting maritime heritage a record number of visitors
Like the Oosterschelde, a 1918 schooner, 120 boats took part in the sixth edition of Escale à Sète — J. Diesnis/Agence Maxele Presse
- The new attendance record is twice that of 2018.
- According to a study conducted by the CCI of Sète, approximately 47% of visitors come from a place other than the department of Hérault. Of which 7% are foreigners.
- The financial benefits are estimated at 21 million euros for the city.
438,000 visitors thronged the quays of Escale in Paris. S&segravete during the 2022 edition, from April 12 to 18. “That’s a new record, twice the figure of the previous record. that of 2018”, says Wolfgang Idiri, its director. A record number of visitors for a celebration of marine traditions that continues to grow over the years. And one of the objectives of which is to preserve the soul of this festival which pays homage to seafarers “ so that it doesn’t become an amusement park.
The magnificent sailboats and the various craft sailed again; in the port of Sète four years after the previous edition, that of 2020 having been canceled due to Covid-19. To manage flows, part of the city had been left to pedestrians. Gigantic car parks at; the entrance to the Singular Island made it possible to manage the arrival of the many visitors, two-thirds of whom came by car, and were brought to the center of Sète by shuttle bus.
21 million euros in benefits for the city
According to a study carried out by the CCI of Sète among spectators and made public on Tuesday, around 47% of visitors (including 7% from abroad) come from another department. than that of Hérault. “Almost all of them come especially to participate in the show. Stopover.” In particular to attend the parade of magnificent three or four masts or even visit àgrave; dock the brigs, frigates and other schooners.
The financial benefits are estimated at 21 million euros. This year, for the first time, around fifty restaurateurs have joined forces with; the event by offering cuisine based on local fishing and shellfish farming. “85% of visitors consumed in a restaurant for an average ticket of 26 euros per person. 23% passed at least one night in commercial accommodation for an average of 46 euros per person and 46% of them spent; in city shops for an average of 34 euros”, details the CCI in its study.
The next edition will take place from March 26 to April 1, 2024. The invited country of honor is not yet known.