Val-de-Marne Tourism officially closed

Val-de-Marne Tourism, a significant organization in the regional tourism industry, has been officially liquidated following a court ruling on September 29, 2026. The closure followed a safeguard procedure initiated in July 2026, but no viable financial solutions were found to prevent it.

Financial strain led to closure

The organization faced severe financial difficulties due to budget cuts and austerity measures imposed by local government. It lost its annual subsidy of 900,000 euros, which led to the termination of all 12 employees without reclassification options. The lack of financial support made it impossible to continue operations.

Impact on local tourism ecosystem

The closure has weakened the overall tourism infrastructure in the region. Christophe Arietano, president of the Val-de-Marne Hoteliers Club, said the organization was one of the club's most active members and its loss will lead to the club's inactivity. Similar closures are planned for Gironde Tourism by the end of 2026 and have already occurred in the Pays de la Loire region.

Funding concerns at tourism conference

At the ADN Tourism 2025 congress, leaders and employees expressed concerns about the future of tourism structures due to funding issues. Olivier Amblard, an administrator of ADN Tourism, noted that organizations like CDT and CRT rely heavily on subsidies from local authorities, which are under pressure due to public finances and rising costs.

Stay tax funds face debate

The annual stay tax, which generates about 700,000 euros, has become a subject of debate. Some argue the money should support tourism development, while others claim it is being redirected to other projects like bike paths and events. This reallocation is currently under discussion in parliamentary talks about the PLF 27.

Need for new tourism policy

The closure has sparked discussions about the need for a new approach to tourism policy, emphasizing collaboration with communes, EPTs, and other partners to create a sustainable model. Hélène Sallet-Lavorel, the former director of Val-de-Marne Tourism, noted that the region has very few tourism offices, with only one intercommunal office operating.

Future of Explore Paris uncertain

The future of the Explore Paris platform, a joint project with the Seine-Saint-Denis Department, is also uncertain. Mélanie Nowak proposed replacing the CDT 94 with EPTs within the GIE, but this appears complicated. The closure of Val-de-Marne Tourism may signal future changes in the sector, as political parties consider cutting costs by eliminating state agencies.