The French city of Cannes was recognized as the “Europe’s Leading Festival and Event Destination for 2023” at the World Travel Awards, triumphing over eight other nominees in the competition.
Cannes secured the title at the ceremony held in Batumi, Georgia, on Friday, September 29, 2023.
The city has been named the winner of this category for three consecutive years, from 2021 to 2023, taking over the title from Barcelona, Spain, which last held it in 2020.
This year, it competed against international cities like Barcelona, Budapest, Derry – Festival City, Dublin, London, Madeira Islands, Munich, and Venice.
One of the most renowned festivals hosted in Cannes is the Cannes Film Festival, an annual event that has been held since 1946 for 12 days in May, solidifying its status as one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals. It features films from around the world, including those competing and those not in the competition but recognised for their high quality.
During the Cannes Film Festival, the city comes alive with a vibrant celebration of cinema, attracting movie enthusiasts, filmmakers, and celebrities from all over the globe.
The chances of attending the festival however, are not high for people who are not part of the movies being screened, did not receive an invitation, or are not A-list celebrities. Nevertheless, people can still attend to catch a glimpse of the actors who are present.
In addition to the Film Festival, other festivals and events held in this city such as the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, MIPIM, Mapic, Midem, the Yachting Festival, Cannes Dance Festival, and the International Fireworks Festival collectively attract approximately three million tourists each year.
The biggest festivals can bring tens of thousands of visitors to the city for an entire week or even more.
This distinction reinforces Cannes’ status as a leader in European event tourism, propelling the Côte d’Azur towards flourishing economic horizons.
The Mayor explained that in 2023, the city is investing €80 million in significant renovation projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for both tourists and residents. These efforts are also intended to make the city more appealing, ensuring it continues to be a top destination for international events.
What made the small city of Cannes a leading destination for the events are the many captivating spots along the French Riviera that are filled with hotels, restaurants, and, when paired up with fantastic weather, make the city a unique destination.
