Health pass: How did the French consider the holidays this summer? Interview with Sébastien Venturini spokesperson for Weekendesk

The health pass was validated by the Council of State on 19 July 2012. The latter has notably validated the draft law on the new measures against Covid as well as the extension of the health pass. Thus, for tourism players such as restaurants and cafes, it is once again necessary to adapt to the measures put in place by the government. However, initially, the contours of the application of the sanitary pass are blurred and sow doubt for both tourism professionals and holidaymakers. In constant anticipation of new announcements, the French have booked their stay differently. However, they remained determined to leave. Sebastien Venturini, spokesman for Weekendesk, takes stock of the 2021 season. Although the latter is not yet finished, it puts the finger on certain trends.

What is the concept of Weekendesk?

Weekendesk has been an expert in local and local tourism for twenty years. 15 years ago its concept became clearer and the platform then offered short stays with different themes in France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy. The objective is to discover the local heritage through short stays and proximity. Indeed, Weekendesk only focuses on the local. Guests travel an average of 98 kilometers to get to their place of stay and discover the wonders of the territory. Moreover, according to Sébastien Venturini,

In France there are treasures to see less than two hours from home, it is not worth going to the other side of the planet

Thus, the platform offers travelers short stays of on average 3 days both on weekdays and weekends. If local tourism is at the heart of Weekendesk’s strategy, the platform also wants to simplify the search process for travelers as much as possible. Indeed, it goes without saying that everyone knows how to book a restaurant and a hotel. However, faced with the multiplication of offers and services, it is possible to quickly get lost. Thus, with Weekendesk, customers book a package that includes all activities. The package is, so to speak, “turnkey”. Among the packages offered, the platform is based in particular on coupling a hotel service to activities. For example, it offers many activities in well-being and catering.

Sebastien Venturini spokesperson weekendesk
Sébastien Venturini spokesman for Weekendesk. Photography: Weekendesk

What are the consequences of the health pass on the tourism sector?

Before the 2021 season, tourism stakeholders saw the end of the tunnel. In addition, Weekendesk and its partners benefited from good recovery momentum. However, the respite was short-lived. Indeed, the sanitary pass has sown doubt on its passage as well as a gray area. At the mention of the implementation of the health pass, there was like a generalized wind of panic. Indeed, within Weekendesk, the consequence was direct.

This lasted 2 or 3 days, we received many calls from our guests who did not understand if they were going to be able to book their stay

The first consequence was therefore numerous requests for amendment. Luckily, the panic subsided following a clearer communication from the government towards the implementation of the health pass. Once the rules were clear, each actor knew how to organize. For restaurateurs and hoteliers once again, they have shown their resilience. Thus, if the month of July was good, it was not up to the level of 2020. Despite the slowdown caused by the health pass, the balance sheet is almost stable compared to 2019. However, on the side of tourism stakeholders , the potential of this year was great.

On the other hand, the sector has seen the birth of two new phenomena. The first is the increase in the average basket and the second is last-minute consumption.

Indeed, compared to 2019, the average basket has increased by 15%.

This increase does not reveal an increase in prices, it reveals the nature of the packs consumed. Customers took more activities


It must be said that the concept of Weekendesk allows a certain security. By booking a “turnkey” package, customers do not ask themselves questions about feasibility. On the other hand, the weather also has something to do with it. Due to bad weather, guests consumed more wellness activities.


Then, last-minute consumption also became recurrent. If in 2019, customers book 30 days before, in 2021 they book a week before leaving. This is due to uncertainty at the beginning of the season and now the need for a PCR test for the unvaccinated.

Health pass holiday destination
Following the implementation of the health pass, travelers change their behavior

How have the actors adapted to the health pass?

Tourism players such as hotels and restaurants have managed to adapt very quickly. Despite a fuzzy start, they still showed their resilience foolproof. The implementation of the QR code has therefore not become an obstacle for Weekendesk’s partners. Indeed, if it is complicated to scan a QR code on a busy terrace without a reservation, the markup of the customer journey with Weekendesk makes the procedure simpler. Indeed, customers arrive at a specific time thanks to a reservation. It is therefore simple to scan this QR code and ensure a follow-up and a good management of the passages.

On the other hand, the whole industry wanted it to work. All efforts have therefore been made on the side of both professionals and customers.

Which destinations have been popular with customers this year?

As every year for Weekendesk, the most popular holiday destination was the PACA region. It is the favorite destination of customers. Thus, it is stable compared to previous years.

The PACA region attracts as every year, because travelers are sure to find the sun at the rendezvous

Following, the Norman also attracts. It is growing compared to 2020. It must be said that the destination is not far from the Ile de France and it offers a haven of peace to the city dwellers of the capital. In addition, the capital was shunned at the beginning of the season. Travelers are now fleeing big cities and want to be in smaller structures. They are looking for less dense areas as shown by the choice of destinations in New Aquitaine. Indeed, here reservations are made in the Landes and the Basque Country, outside the big cities.

Finally, customers have also turned to Spain in order to enjoy their holidays more fully. Indeed, in Spain, there is no health pass. At the end of the season, the booking share doubled compared to 2020. The destination therefore shows a growth of 107% with Catalonia as the main destination region.

Thus, the health pass has disturbed the tourism sector without harming it too much. It must be said that the latter reaches a level of resilience that is no longer to be proven. On the other hand, the context has involved changes in behavior among travelers who live according to government announcements.

Sources:

Interview with Sebastien Venturini, spokesperson for Weekendesk on August 26, 2021

“Health pass: What impact will the bill have on the holidays of the French?” Weekendesk, press release of July 20, 2020

Weekendesk

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