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.