Tourism

The locomotive of the economy

Tourism is the driving force behind the Hautes-Alpes economy. Generating almost a third of the département’s wealth and employment, this sector has been growing steadily over the past 10 years. It also has a very strong knock-on effect on the other pillars of the local economy, namely agriculture, food processing, construction and public works.

4-season tourism
was born here

The Hautes-Alpes’ tourist clientele is more numerous (5 million tourists a year), more international (70% French, a third of whom are regional, and 30% foreign, mainly Belgian, Dutch, English and Italian), and younger too (47% under 35), in all four seasons and throughout the region. Here, customers overwhelmingly enjoy outdoor activities in summer (60% hiking, 55.6% swimming, 28.6% cycling, 12.5% mountaineering and climbing, 10.4% white-water sports, 2.8% hang-gliding), as well as in winter (84.5% downhill skiing, 22% Nordic activities).

F. Thibault

A collective dynamic
key success factor

Thanks to a rather unprecedented collective dynamic, local players are succeeding by investing (to consolidate existing offerings, diversify activities and adapt to climate change), moving upmarket and improving quality, promoting their destinations and offerings even more, and embarking on a proactive ecological transition. While private players have played their part in this success, the intervention of public authorities and local authorities such as the State, the Département and the Region has been decisive (e.g.: resort contracts, Serre-Ponçon development plan, departmental plan for outdoor facilities and sites, etc.).

The equilibrium point
and the prospect of the 2030 Olympic Games

The Hautes-Alpes must maintain this momentum and be careful to strike the right balance between preserving and promoting the exceptional natural environment that is their greatest asset. Last but not least, the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Games offer the hope of a wonderful legacy and unique prospects in terms of international influence, promotion of sport, transition and regional development, particularly in terms of access and mobility.