Herve Novelli, French Secretary of State for Tourism has said that the winter season for ski resorts has been “satisfactory”, similar to the very good 2008-2009 season. Mr Novelli was citing the results of a TNS Sofres inquiry for Atout France. The report say visitor numbers were up but they spent less, in part due to poor weather which reduced lift pass sales. He sais 2010 was a year of recovery after a 2009 season marked by the lack of foreign visitors.
According to figures released by the Ministry of Economy hotel bookings were down 4.9% in 2009 compared to 2008. There were 1.4% fewer French guests and 11% less overseas visitors.