Monday, January 27, 2025 Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, has announced plans to ban large cruise ships from docking in the city’s ports starting July 1, 2025. This move aims to address overtourism and its environmental impact, aligning with the city’s sustainability and quality-of-life goals. The decision was revealed during Nice’s New Year’s ceremony, where Estrosi emphasized the importance of preserving the city’s charm and mitigating the effects of mass tourism.
In a statement to the media, Estrosi’s office outlined plans to prohibit ships exceeding 190 meters in length and those with passenger capacities over 900. This measure aims to reduce cruise passenger numbers by up to 70%, targeting the significant environmental and economic impact of mass cruise tourism. The restrictions are designed to limit pollution, reduce overcrowding, and ensure sustainable tourism.
Estrosi cited the example of Venice, which banned large cruise ships from its historic center in 2021, as a model for Nice’s approach. “We won’t let overtourism suffocate Nice,” Estrosi stated, referring to the strain caused by large cruise ships, which often contribute less economically than other tourists while generating considerable waste and pollution. The environmental impact of cruise ships is a significant concern.
Cruise vessels release large amounts of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, contributing to air pollution and damaging marine ecosystems. A study highligh.