NATIONAL
🏨 Market conditions – In Corsica, arrivals no longer fill hotels
Despite busy ports and airports, Corsican hoteliers describe a particularly difficult 2026 season. According to a representative of the UMIH, occupancy rates are down by an average of 20% to 30%, while spending on dining and ancillary services is falling as holidaymakers tighten their budgets.
🔥 Post-wildfire – Gironde calls on tourists to return
Following the megafire that hit the northern Arcachon basin, industry professionals report persistent cancellations despite the fire being brought under control and properties reopening. In Arès, the hotel Les Grains de sable finds itself almost empty, revealing the lasting impact of crisis imagery on a tourism economy that accounts for 7% of Gironde’s GDP and more than 40,000 jobs.
⚓ Trend – “Slow boating” makes its mark at the Cannes Yachting Festival
From 8 to 13 September, the Cannes Yachting Festival will showcase slower, more sober sailing rooted in coastal territories. With 680 exhibitors and 700 boats expected, the show will highlight hybrid propulsion, autonomous vessels and the role of marinas in coastal cruising and better distributing tourist flows.
🏘️ New uses – In Évian, a hotel responds to housing shortages around Lake Geneva
The Côté Lac Hostel offers 19 furnished 36 sqm studios at €900 a month, bills included, to students and young professionals facing housing shortages around Lake Geneva. Located close to the ferry link to Lausanne-Ouchy, the offer also allows the property to develop longer stays and better fill its capacity during the low season.
⚖️ Gastronomy – Jean Imbert questioned in police custody in Paris
Jean Imbert was placed in police custody on 3 August as part of an investigation into several complaints of alleged domestic violence. The chef, who disputes the accusations, attended his hearing with documents intended to support his version of events. The presumption of innocence remains fully applicable.
This legal development comes after Jean Imbert’s departure from the kitchens of the Plaza Athénée, announced in April 2026 amid public scrutiny and the gradual withdrawal of the chef from several properties.
INTERNATIONAL
🇪🇸 Acquisition – Hesperia acquires La Zambra on the Costa del Sol
Investor Group Hesperia is acquiring La Zambra, a five-star, 197-room resort in Mijas, from Intriva Capital, which will continue to operate under The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand. Fully renovated ahead of its 2022 reopening, the former Byblos hotel features a 2,000 sqm spa, four dining concepts and a premium golf setting.
The deal brings Hesperia World’s managed portfolio to 22 assets in Spain and follows a record 2025 financial year, with €206 million in revenue and €38 million in profit. The Group intends to strengthen La Zambra’s international profile around wellness, gastronomy and golf.
Five signals shaping hospitality today 👀
- Strong visitor flows no longer guarantee higher hotel occupancy or ancillary spending.
- Climate-related crises can affect demand well beyond the immediate emergency period.
- Slow travel principles are extending from tourism into the yachting sector.
- Hotels are increasingly adapting their inventory to medium and long-stay residential demand.
- Hesperia is strengthening its luxury portfolio with the acquisition of La Zambra.
- Reputation and governance risks remain central for hospitality and gastronomy brands.
