Managing Tourism Flows in the City of Marseille

The Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica, which attracts millions of visitors each year from around the world, is located on the highest hill near the Old Port.

Due to the increasing number of visitors, in October 2020, the Marseille Provence Cruise Club introduced a flow management system at the Basilica to ensure a good visitor experience and safety for residents, and local businesses. Coaches are limited to four per ship during the morning or afternoon at the Basilica. This is a voluntary arrangement respected by cruise lines which understand the benefits of the arrangement. Follow-up is managed by the Cruise Club in contact with all stakeholders.

A similar initiative is under consideration for the Panier district, which is popular with tourists and highly residential, involving tour operators, locals, and professionals.

“Good flow management is important for destinations to avoid congestion and to spread guests across the neighbourhoods so that all the local businesses can benefit from the economic impact of cruise tourism.”
Jean-François Suhas, President, Marseille Provence Cruise Club