Authorities in Nice, France, may face legal action over the mayor’s decision to prohibit large cruise ships from docking in the city’s port, as local businesses warn of a potential economic downturn.
Restaurant owners, hoteliers, shopkeepers, taxi drivers, and port workers are preparing to contest the ban, which prevents vessels carrying more than 900 passengers from docking.
Last week, Mayor Christian Estrosi signed the order, citing concerns over overtourism and taking inspiration from Venice, Italy.
The restriction particularly impacts Villefranche-sur-Mer, a suburb of Nice that hosts around 100 large cruise ships each year and is a major tourist hotspot on the French Riviera.
Local business owners fear a sharp decline in revenue, with estimates suggesting cruise ship tourism contributes over €10 million annually to the area’s economy.
