Latest figures show that reservations for the summer season in south-western France are down by on average 50% compared with those made last year following the Prestige oil disaster and the ensuing pollution. Foreign tourists are also said to be shunning the area, according to the report, in particular German visitors who are said to be particularly sensitive to the impact of environmental disasters such as that caused by the Prestige. Most beaches in the area remain closed except those in the Gironde area around Bordeaux, but are expected to be re-opened in time for the Easter holidays. Many local industries, such as the spa centres the region is famous for, have also been affected because of unfounded fears over polluted water, local reports say. Oyster producers have seen their sales drop by almost 40% during the Christmas period, while fish prices have plummeted by between 20% and 40% – even though their products remain unaffected by the oil pollution.