Interview: Michel Chevillon, President of the Cannes Hotel Association

One hundred and eighty million in hotel investments in Cannes - is that a lot?

Michel Chevillon - Despite the crisis, we have remained focused on investment. Admittedly, we don't have any new hotels, but our refurbishments are phenomenal. In three years, 1,000 of the 5,500 rooms in our hotel portfolio have been renovated.

How were these investments made?

M. C. - The years 2007-2008 were historic in terms of sales, the cash flow was there and we had to take advantage of it to undertake major works. Cannes is a brand. We have an obligation to keep it at the top. It's a major asset, but one that we have to earn.

Is the competition between Cannes' different palaces a problem?

M. C. - Not at all. On the contrary, it's very beneficial to challenge each other. It gives us a great dynamic, and a great osmosis too. In all, we have 3,000 four- and five-star rooms, all of which respond in different ways to the expectations of guests from a wide variety of backgrounds. Of course, in winter, the competition is fiercer, but the major hotels work hand in hand to ensure that their customers get the best of both worlds. The city is also a leading destination for business tourism, and hotels organise all kinds of corporate events.