Nice seeks to ban large cruise ships to protect its coastline

27-01-25

The city of Nice, located on France's iconic Côte d'Azur, is considering implementing a ban that would prevent the entry of large cruise ships as of July 1, 2025. This initiative, led by Mayor Christian Estrosi, aims to safeguard the environment and preserve the natural beauty of the region.

Estrosi has expressed concern about the negative impact these “floating hotels” have on the city. He argues that, in addition to contributing significantly to pollution, passengers on these cruise ships contribute little to the local economy, as they consume and spend minimally during their brief visits. In statements reported by Time, the mayor stated: “I don't want these floating hotels to drop anchor in Nice. These cruise ships that pollute and that disembark their low-cost customers who consume nothing and who leave their garbage behind them, well, I say these cruise ships have no place here.”

The proposal seeks to prohibit the entry of ships that exceed 190 meters in length or that can carry more than 900 passengers. This measure could reduce by 70% the number of passengers arriving in Nice via cruise ships, according to the mayor's estimates. Currently, it is common for cruise ships with a capacity of 3,500 passengers to visit French Mediterranean waters.

This initiative is not isolated in Europe. Cities such as Barcelona and Venice are also taking steps to limit the arrival of large cruise ships, citing similar concerns about pollution and mass tourism. Venice, for example, has restricted access of large vessels to the Giudecca Canal to protect its fragile ecosystem and historical heritage. 

Reaction to the proposal in Nice has been mixed. While environmentalists applaud the measure as a necessary step to protect the coastal environment, some local small business owners express concern about the potential decrease in customers that these cruise ships bring. However, studies have indicated that cruise ship passengers often do not contribute significantly to the local economy, as many services and products are consumed on board. 

Estrosi has also pointed to Venice as an example of a city that has regained its beauty and landscape after limiting the arrival of cruise ships. “Today we have ships that are real floating cities with up to 5,000 passengers. These ships do not correspond at all to the model we want to develop in terms of hospitality tourism,” said the mayor. 

The implementation of this ban will require collaboration with officials from neighboring municipalities and the approval of new policies focused on responsible tourism initiatives. If approved, the ban would go into effect on July 1, 2025, marking a significant change in the management of tourism in the Nice-Côte d'Azur region.

The move reflects a growing trend in Europe, where several cities are re-evaluating the impact of mass tourism and seeking a balance between promoting tourism and preserving their natural and cultural environments. Nice's decision could serve as a model for other coastal cities facing similar challenges.

Nice's proposal to ban the entry of large cruise ships is a response to growing concerns about the environmental and economic impact of mass tourism. By limiting the arrival of these huge vessels, the city seeks to protect its natural and cultural heritage, ensuring that tourism is sustainable and beneficial to the local community.