The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has urged French officials to reconsider a recent ban on large cruise ships in the Nice-Côte d’Azur region. The ban, which targets cruise ships with 900 or more passengers, is the latest move by the European destination to curb overtourism and environmental concerns.
The decree, signed in late January by Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi, bans large cruise ships from calling at the ports of Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer from July 1. Estrosi, who also serves as president of the Nice-Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Region, criticized the industry in his New Year’s address, saying “cruise ships that pollute the environment, bring low-cost tourists who spend very little but leave behind garbage have no place here,” according to The Maritime Executive.
The ban is expected to have a significant impact on Villefranche-sur-Mer, the tender port near Nice. Two-thirds of the nearly 90 cruise ships scheduled to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer this year will be affected by the new rules, Le Monde reported. The restriction will effectively ban most modern and high-end cruise ships from the region.
CLIA and other maritime organizations are fighting back, arguing that the ban could harm the local economy. In a joint statement, CLIA and 20 other organizations called for dialogue and economic assessments, warning that the decree could cost the region more than 600 million and cause local businesses to lose $10 million. They also highlighted the impact on French and European shipowners, who have invested in sustainable ships designed to operate in European waters but will now be banned from entering major ports.
CLIA Europe Director General Samuel Maubanc stressed the need for a balanced approach. “We urge a reconsideration of any action to ban cruise tourism and instead adopt a holistic tourism management strategy, which has proven to be the best way to help communities thrive,” he said.
This is not the first time the cruise industry has faced restrictions in Europe. Similar measures have been implemented in recent years in Venice, Barcelona, Amsterdam and the Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos.
Despite the strong opposition, Estrosi has shown a willingness to engage with stakeholders. In early February, he met with industry representatives to discuss the decree. However, CLIA and its partners remain concerned about the potential economic impacts and are calling for a more collaborative solution.
As the July 1 implementation date approaches, the debate over balancing tourism, environmental concerns and economic impacts continues to intensify.
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