Interview with Pascale Bigo-Foucault, head of the Convention Bureau, Marseille

Why choose Marseille?

P. B-F. - For the richness of its heritage, its seafront knitted with calanques, its atmosphere, its climate and, of course, for its Mediterranean lifestyle! Marseille is within easy reach of Europe's major cities by air and rail. The number of hotels has been modernised and increased by 30 % in 10 years. Event venues ranging from the classic to the unusual have sprung up all over the city. All the signs are green for hosting events.

How does the destination behave?

P. B-F. - Quite good, given the economic climate. The latest study by Atout France, ranks - excluding Paris - the Aix-Marseille metropolis number one in terms of overnight stays of French origin ahead of Lyon and number two for foreign overnight stays, behind Nice. The cruise business is booming with 1.6 million passengers, representing growth of 19% compared to 2014. We are making steady progress in business tourism (+23 % in the first half of 2017), both for corporate conventions and congresses. A number of major international conventions have already been signed up to 2022.

What projects?

P. B-F. - Next year, on Valentine's Day, we will be inaugurating the metropolitan project "Marseille Provence, Quel Amour! Until September, this multi-disciplinary cultural event will present around twenty creations and several dozen events. We have also been awarded the right to organise the Manifesta contemporary art biennial in 2020, and are bidding alongside Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games and the 2025 Universal Exhibition. We've got a busy schedule!