Right after the French customs removed their operations in La Mole Saint-Tropez airport, private jet planes are restricted to land at the famed French resort's local airport. The new policy has taken effect just this November due to the French government's effort to cut the cost of employing customs officials who are not working full-time at the Saint-Tropez airport.
The new policy applies to private jet planes coming from the countries outside of Europe´s Schengen passport-free zone. The most affected travelers are those from the Middle East, Russia, Britain and other 26 more countries. The French authorities admit that this is badly affecting not only the tourism of Saint-Tropez but also the wealthy travelers with properties in the coastal town.
According to DailyMail´s report, the wealthy travelers need to take helicopters from Toulon´s local port or nearby Cannes before they can make it to Saint-Tropez. The renowned French peninsula welcomes approximately 4,000 aircraft, which sums up about 8,000 flights each year. With the prohibiting of private jet planes, it marks to possibly downsize the thousands of visitors each year, particularly those 26 European countries.
The head of the private jet group, Cedric Lescop have stated that he had received numerous complaints from wealthy travelers with five to €25 million homes in Saint-Tropez. And they are unwilling to understand the reasons that came forth with the decision. Lescop added that his clients have no problem paying the required tax to pay for customs officials at the Saint-Tropez airport.
Following the rapid decline of visitors after the policy took effect, it provoked objections from businesses and officials. Christian Estrosi, the president of the regional council of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur now appeals to reverse the government´s decision. He is concerned about the impact of the implemented restriction on tourism.
There are no updates as of the moment whether or not the policy will be lifted in favor of Saint Tropez´s tourism.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
