Since Good Friday, the squares of towns and villages come back to life. The café terraces are once again full as the weather plays into the hands of the spring sun. If, by chance, the weather continues to be favourable, the long weekends of May 1 and May 8, as well as Ascension or Pentecost will generate good attendance dynamics.
In terms of transport, the maritime agency of the port of Propriano notes that the Marseille-Propriano rotations of the Corsica Linea have released several hundred tourists to the port of Propriano. Same observation for the Corsica Ferries ships on the Toulon-Propriano line which, since this year, have been operating on the Valinco destination once or twice a week.
A popular destination
“The Sartenais-Valinco-Taravo is an exceptional land which combines both the seaside and the interior”we can hear in the tourist offices of Propriano or Sartène, which received more than 15,000 visitors last season.
The destination is touted on the website “La Corse des Origines”. The Sartenais-Valinco beaches and water activities still attract customers. “Nowhere else do we find beaches where the bath towels are not stuck to each other”details the Berthier family from Vaucluse.
But tourist demand also concerns the search for discoveries during electric bike rides. For example, mini-discovery stays or cultural tourism are experiencing growing interest, particularly in spring.
Le cultural tourism designates a form of tourism, the objective of which is to discover the cultural heritage and way of life of a region as well as its inhabitants.
This type of tourism includes visits to natural sites, architectural tourism, but also religious tourism, travel to attend festivals and other cultural events, gastronomic tourism, visits to museums and monuments.
An engine of economic development
In Sartenais-Valinco, it will be a day in Filitosa, a visit to the Tanchiccia pond in Serra-di-Ferro, a stroll in the historic streets of Sartène, wine outings in the Sartenais estates or themed walks, a hike towards the Alta Rocca nearby, particularly towards the unique landscapes in the world of Bavella.
The territory brings together eighteen municipalities including Sartène, Propriano, Campomoro, Olmeto, Serra-di-Ferro, Olmeto… Each of the villages has managed to preserve in its own way its historic heart and its characteristic architecture…
In the region’s tourist offices, it is confirmed that a tourist season is being prepared from one year to the next. On the ground, it is noted with satisfaction that in terms of accommodation, the U Levante residence, A Stretta hotel (eco-labelled), Le Neptune remain open all year round.
The construction of the new Hôtel du Corsaire in Propriano is nearing completion, the accommodation sectors and the catering establishments are showing beautiful embellishments.
This winter, to attract and diversify the clientele, the Sartenais-Valinco office participated in several tourism fairs on the continent with the Corsica tourism agency.
In short, tourism, whether we like it or not, represents an important engine of economic development. Holidaymakers’ habits are changing. Multiple factors, such as the international context and changes in consumer choices, lead tourists to change their travel destinations and Sartenais-Valinco has its card to play in this context.
