At the Comité Stratégique du Tourisme en Outre-Mer (CSTOM) in early October, at which Sud Tourisme represented the sector, Atout France launched a Call for Expressions of Interest (French: Appel à Manifestation d’Intérêt or AMI) to promote the development of tourism in overseas destinations.

On the one hand, this AMI aims to accelerate the sustainable transformation of tourist accommodation in the French overseas territories, and on the other, it is designed to make greater use of local heritage and cultural assets to enrich the tourist experience on offer.

Thanks to this programme, 15 tourism operators will be supported over a 12-month period, and will receive financial assistance of up to €50,000 per project.

The deadline for applications is 17 November and as part of its approach to tourism development, and in harmony with its ecological commitment, Sud Tourisme strongly encourages tourism professionals to apply here: https://www.demarches-simplifiees.fr/commencer/ami-om-com

CSTOM, a meeting place for the development of overseas territories

Chaired by Philippe Vigier, Minister Delegate for Overseas France, the event provided an opportunity to share some of our key challenges, including two major ones, with other overseas territories.

First, territorial attractiveness, relying on differentiating assets to stand out. Indeed, the image of overseas destinations is quickly reduced to beaches and sunshine, whereas our territories are rich in varied assets! It’s up to us, alongside the sector’s service providers, to make the most of them. And second, the essential transition to sustainable tourism. Through training for industry professionals, seasonal recruitment, eco-renovation of accommodation, and decarbonisation of the industry.

AMIs in detail

An AMI is a procedure that enables the French Overseas Territories to solicit proposals and contributions with a view to launching specific projects, research programmes or initiatives.

Atout France’s AMIs aim to mobilise and encourage the participation of a wide range of stakeholders, from citizens to businesses, non-profit organisations and researchers, to work together to solve local challenges and stimulate development.