Tourist numbers drop in Pyrénées-Orientales

Tourist visits in the Pyrénées-Orientales declined by 4.4% during the summer of 2026, with nearly 21 million overnight stays recorded between May and September, representing a decrease compared to the previous year. The report from the Tourism Development Agency (ADT) highlights an activity weakened by high temperatures, fires, and budget restrictions for vacationers.

Summer decline worsened by multiple factors

Visitor numbers began to decrease in June, continuing their decline in July and August, with the latter month recording a decrease of approximately 4% compared to the previous year. Several factors combined during the summer, including heatwave episodes and "purchasing power issues exacerbated by the increase in fuel prices," as noted by ADT. The fires in Canet-en-Roussillon and the Conflent at the beginning of July also marked the season.

Businesses report widespread impact

A survey conducted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Pyrénées-Orientales with the association of leisure professionals shows that 60% of respondents were affected by these events. Among the affected businesses, 73% report a decrease in visitor numbers associated with the media coverage of the fires and 45% of reservation cancellations.

Coastal areas see decline, mountains see growth

The coast, which accounts for about 60% of the department's overnight stays, thus ended the season with a 6% decline. The mountains, on the other hand, recorded an increase, particularly in July and September. The ADT notes that this territory "undoubtedly benefited from a high level of attractiveness among visitors seeking coolness." Perpignan also managed to perform well, with favorable results during several periods, unlike some sectors in the interior, including the Albères, the Vallespir and the Fenouillèdes.

Sector-specific impacts vary

These territorial differences are reflected in the figures of professionals. Hotels generally maintained occupancy rates close to those of 2025, despite significant differences between establishments. Real estate agencies specializing in vacation rentals showed an increase of 2 to 4% depending on the months. Conversely, guesthouses recorded a decrease in visitor numbers of 4 to 5% for the season.

Food service sector suffers most

The food service sector is among the most affected. According to the Union of Hospitality and Tourism Industries (UMIH), visitor numbers decreased by 15 to 20%, particularly due to high temperatures at lunchtime and financial decisions by customers. Leisure activities also experienced this slowdown, although natural sites, especially those with water points, resisted better than museums and heritage sites.

Tourist behavior is changing

Beyond these results, the agency observes an evolution in tourist behavior. Visitors from neighboring departments, such as Hérault and Haute-Garonne, were the most numerous to come for their holidays in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Internationally, Spain remains the leading foreign market, with stable visitor numbers, while the German clientele is increasing. The presence of visitors from Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, on the other hand, is declining.

New trends and challenges emerge

Vacationers now seem to prefer more accessible destinations, short stays and discounted offers. Last-minute bookings are also increasing, complicating the organization of professionals. The ADT highlights the importance of the "search for good deals, all-inclusive offers" and the "constant comparison of offers." These new habits are compounded by the effects of climate change and the growing role of digital tools, particularly artificial intelligence, in the choice of destinations.

Future plans focus on adaptation

Aude Vivès, president of the ADT, emphasizes the need to better understand "new expectations, new customers, new ways of exploring and experiencing the territory." An adaptation that the Department of the Pyrénées-Orientales wishes to continue in 2027, with the ambition, according to its president Hermeline Malherbe, to "do things differently, with our territory and for those who make it live."