Nîmes (Gard) experienced a beautiful evening this Monday evening after the inscription of the mythical Maison Carrée as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. "It's a very emotional moment. We receive hundreds of messages. UNESCO is an important marker to distinguish us by the cultural offers of southern France. Inevitably, tour operators will be even more interested in us, especially for international customers. And there will be a resurgence in terms of attendance," exclaims Fabrice Cavillon, director of the Musée de la Romanité, located next to the monument.
"Thanks to this inscription, the city will be able to shine even better around the world. Especially with an erudite and cultured clientele, "says Jean-Bernard Falco of the hotel group Maison Albar, owner of the mythical Imperator less than three minutes walk from the columns of the Maison Carrée. A hotel that hopes to accommodate more American, Chinese and Pacific travelers.
Opening of two hotels
The authorities are betting on a bright future, with two projects of 4 and 5-star hotels, pending the opening of a convention center in the wake of the museum. "Further investments are expected to accommodate visitors," adds an actor from Nîmes.
Edeis is also proud of the company that operates the arena (359,000 visitors), the Magne tower (125,000 visitors) and especially the Maison Carrée (155,000 visitors), which expects an increase in attendance, without changing the particularly strict visit gauges.