After three months of closure due to the Covid-19 epidemic, that was the big question for the management of Parc Astérix, when it reopened, on June 15. Will the visitors be there? "The context was fluctuating, we were sailing a little on sight", recognizes Nicolas Kremer, general manager of the amusement park installed in Plailly (Oise) since 1989.
To limit the risks, reservations are then the only way to get tickets. “Paradoxically to the financial losses linked to confinement, it was necessary to curb attendance in order to be able to welcome everyone in good sanitary conditions. Imagine the consequences if a new cluster were discovered in connection with the park, security remained a priority. "
A maximum occupancy of 15,000 people
After a smooth start, 3,000 visitors per day, ie 25% of the usual capacity the first week, the Gallic village gradually filled up: 6,000 visitors the second week, then between 8,000 and 12,000 the third… A figure that has remained stable since . "Up to 15,000 people could now be accommodated in good conditions", assures the director.
On the wearing of the mask made compulsory throughout the site since August 8, Nicolas Kremer assures that he has not encountered any problems. “There were a few holdouts, but we decided to be strict on the subject. Safety teams have been doubled compared to a classic summer and those who persist are excluded after two warnings if they do not comply with this rule. "
And this Friday morning in the alleys of the park, the visitors are very present, all masked as it should be. “We are a little worried but we have to live well, summarizes this family from Strasbourg. The obligation of the mask is rather reassuring and we take our precautions by cleaning our hands regularly. "
Technology to reduce clusters at the entrance to attractions
While it is difficult to enforce social distancing, the park has pulled a technological novelty out of its sleeve in an attempt to partially overcome this problem. Visitors can now use Filotomatix, a virtual queue available on the Parc Astérix app.
Already planned, but advanced due to the health context, it provides a timetable for six of the key attractions. “The wait is reduced and side sanitary measures, we gain by reducing the groupings, summarizes Nicolas Kremer. I am convinced that this is something that we will have to perpetuate for the comfort of the visitors who, during this time, can enjoy the site in other ways. "
All attractions remained open, although some entertainment had to be changed. However, two covered shows were canceled: "We could not guarantee good conditions".
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The Gallic parade, one of the novelties of the summer, has been postponed and the photos with the characters from the comic strip are now made with sets that act as a sanitary barrier.
90% occupancy rate in the park's hotels
Most of the facilities were postponed for a year, but the new Hotel Lutèce, which was due to open in April, welcomed its first visitors in June. "And it's a very good surprise with 77% occupancy rate in July and 90% in August," says Nicolas Kremer. The French stay in France for their holidays and I think we are benefiting from it. "
But with all of this good news comes a threat that perpetually hangs over the park: the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus and a further closure of the site. “As much as I'm not worried about this summer, the Halloween, Christmas and even next spring periods are more worrying,” recognizes Nicolas Kremer. This season, it is perhaps 40% of turnover less. We are lucky to have a healthy cash flow but it would get complicated if we were to experience such an episode again. "