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❄ French ski enthusiasts are making reservations outside of school holidays and earlier than usual, influenced by favorable early and late season conditions. The winter sports season 2024 has started with significant snowfalls in numerous European ski resorts. Sunweb reports a 20% increase in January bookings compared to last year, a 25% rise in December, and a staggering 400% jump in April for the Easter holidays, compared to the same period the previous year.

🏖️ The Fédération Nationale des Résidences de Tourisme (FNRT) reported winter 2025 bookings for mountain tourism residences and villages from November 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025, showing a slight increase of +2.7 points from the previous year. The most booked week is December 28, with a 72.5% occupancy rate (+15.2 points). January inter-vacation bookings are at 59.7%, winter holidays at 54.7%, and spring vacations show the largest increase with a 7.3 point rise. Conversely, March inter-vacation reservations dropped by 3.9 points.

🏖 France Tourisme Tech unveiled the names of its second promotion in 2024: 10 startups were selected addressing challenges in crowd management, generative AI, and sustainable development. The tourism sector surpassed 100 million visitors in 2024, contributing to 7% of France’s GDP. In the previous year, France Tourisme Tech, supported by the Ministry of the Economy, facilitated over 60 connections, resulting in 30 contracts and 27 experiments. This year's reduced cohort, down to 10 from last year’s 15, is attributed to political shifts and fewer applications.

🏨 On October 21st, the Paris Commercial Court ruled against UMIH in its "unfair competition" lawsuit filed in November 2018 against Airbnb. Despite the loss, UMIH, led by hotel branch president Véronique Siegel, announced intentions to appeal, emphasizing the ongoing fight against economic threats to the sector. Airbnb welcomed the decision, highlighting its commitment to affordable tourism and its role in complementing hotel offerings in France.

🏠 Tribunal administratif de Rennes rejects 14 property owners' challenge against Saint-Malo city regulations on October 17, aiming to control Airbnb/Booking listings, introduced in June 2021 and February 2022. These regulations, deemed the strictest in France, include zoning with quotas per district, especially in the historic city center, and change of use permissions limited to individuals, excluding SCI or SAS entities. The tribunal validated the decrees, noting they address a general interest of combating housing shortage in Saint-Malo, citing a reduction of 70 short-term rentals from the market between 2023 and 2024. Mayor Gilles Lurton of Saint-Malo cites a 40% increase in property sales prices over five years due to real estate speculation fueled by tourist rentals. Paris tribunal of commerce decision on Airbnb's appeal, concerning hoteliers' accusations of unfair competition damaging the hotel economy, is awaited. Airbnb upholds its compliance with platform regulations after a 6-year legal battle. Previous 2023 Paris Appeal Court ruling held Airbnb accountable for a tenant's illegal sublet, suggesting responsibility for content on its platform.

🏖️ On October 15, 2024, in Cotonou, the Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa, Benin's first 5-star hotel, partnered with the official Bénin Tourisme agency to boost the city's tourism appeal and promote Benin as a prime destination. Since 2016, over €1 billion has been invested in major tourist infrastructure. Benin, listed in Lonely Planet’s top 10 must-visit destinations for 2024, offers pristine beaches, exceptional national parks, and captivating historical sites.

🏠 International air arrivals in Paris are expected to increase by 12% from November 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, compared to the same period in 2023. Tourist overnight stays in Greater Paris saw a slight 1% increase from September 1 to October 17, 2024, despite events like Fashion Week (September 23 - October 1) and Mylène Farmer concerts. Thanksgiving 2024 will occur on November 28, after highly contested US presidential elections, with air bookings from North America up by 2% during that week. The December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception is anticipated to draw visitors from Southern Europe in 2024.

🏨 "La Tribune de l'Hôtellerie" (no specific dates or numbers provided) is the go-to French-language portal for leaders in the international hotel and restaurant sector. It's the source for trends, openings, appointments, and all things hospitality news. The website aims to provide comprehensive coverage, visibility, and foresight into the industry. Website: https://latribunedelhotellerie.com.

📱 Hotel guest apps, integral to the hospitality industry, enhance guest experience and streamline operations. These apps offer functionalities like check-in/out, digital keys, personalized services, and concierge services. Oracle's study shows 67% of travelers are inclined towards hotels using AI for personalized services, while 36% prefer a completely contactless digital service. With emerging AI and voice control technologies, and concerns like app fatigue and data privacy, the future of these apps by 2025 is uncertain, requiring a balance between innovation and maintaining the human touch in hospitality.