Sustainable tourism in a natural site
About this good practice
In order to preserve the natural site, the association only offers tourist visits during part of the year. Access to the site is therefore limited. During the season, the association only offers a 3 km circuit, i.e. one twentieth of the Hortillonnages, and has no plans to increase this route. Most of the site is therefore not “polluted” by tourist traffic. The itineraries have been chosen to give a good overview of the Hortillonnages through the variety of plots (some market gardens, others flowery leisure areas, others wilder).
The quotas come from the manager, who is committed to protecting the environment. Aware of the fragility of the site, the Hortillonnages managers prefer to limit the number of tourists to limit the impact. This measure is not a response to a problem, but rather an anticipation of it.
Every year, despite growing demand, the limit is maintained. The site closes its ticket offices when the number of visitors has been reached.
The money raised from these visits enables the association to renovate the bank. The labor is paid for by the association. Work is carried out throughout the year. By visiting the site, visitors contribute to its preservation!
The association is also the voice of property owners. It has recently campaigned for the regulation of the use of premises and against certain construction projects. The association is independent and receives no public subsidies. Management is a virtuous circle.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
There are 5 permanent maintenance workers, a manager and an accountant. Including seasonal workers, the payroll is around €600,000. Around €200,000 goes to maintenance, excluding energy and materials costs. Visits bring in around €950,000.
Evidence of success
No overtourism. Peace restored to the site from October to April.
No directly related counts, but a site considered to be in a good state of conservation.
No increase in the number of visitors each year, despite growing demand.
For the destination, this contributes to raising public awareness.
Potential for learning or transfer
This management method is perfectly reproducible on other sites with overuse problems. It can be implemented temporarily in cases of serious degradation, or on a permanent basis.
The boats are electric, and therefore non-polluting on site.
The site is bordered by housing. The cohabitation of residents, users and tourists is a subject that can be shared.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.