Cannes to Restrict Cruise Ships

The Riviera hotspot wants to preserve its ecological “treasure”

Cannes, known for its iconic film festival, is introducing stringent new regulations on cruise ships starting next year. Ships carrying more than 1,000 passengers will be prohibited from docking in the port, and daily disembarking will be capped at 6,000 passengers. This measure seeks to protect the Mediterranean town’s ecological integrity and manage the impact of overtourism.

Since 2019, Cannes has implemented rules on fuel use and other measures aimed at reducing environmental harm. The bay of Cannes, described by Mayor David Lisnard as an “ecological treasure,” is rich in biodiversity and requires careful protection. Larger ships will still be permitted to visit the area but must use smaller vessels to ferry passengers ashore.

Addressing mass tourism

The city council approved the measures, calling them “drastic,” as Cannes joins other European destinations like Venice and Barcelona addressing the adverse effects of mass tourism. Recent incidents, including protests in Venice over lavish celebrations by Jeff Bezos and strikes at Paris’s Louvre Museum, highlight growing concerns over overtourism.

Lisnard clarified that the measures aim to balance tourism with environmental conservation, ensuring cruise ship activities are regulated rather than banned altogether. He maintains that Cannes remains committed to sustainable tourism for future generations.

(Michael Leahy. Source: Cannes or Bust. Photo: Helena Jankovičová Kováčová  / Pexels)