Nathalie Delattre has been appointed as the Minister Delegate for Tourism under Prime Minister François Bayrou's new government, announced on December 23, 2024. Delattre, who has been politically active since 2007, is seen as the only figure from Aquitaine to retain her position following the reshuffle.
At 56 years of age, Delattre has transitioned from her earlier role as the Minister for Relations with Parliament to now overseeing tourism, a sector pivotal to the French economy. Her appointment follows the brief tenure of Marina Ferrari, who held the tourism portfolio for approximately 80 days.
Expressing her enthusiasm on social media, Delattre stated, "Honored to continue my commitment to this major sector of our economy and the promotion of our French heritage." This sentiment reflects her awareness of the tourism sector’s significance, which contributes around 200 billion euros to France’s economy.
Delattre has been heavily involved in the local Gironde politics and served as the municipal councilor for Bordeaux since 2008, alongside her role as the Gironde senator from 2017 to 2020. Her efforts during her earlier role were particularly notable as she managed complex relationships between the government and the fragmented parliamentary majority.
"The tourism sector generates 200 billion euros of revenue. Here in Gironde, we know the importance of this sector," she remarked, emphasizing the economic stakes involved. She acknowledged the high expectations for her role, especially amid the fragile political environment and anticipated the need for significant persuasion and strategic engagement.
Tourism, which accounts for about 7.5% of France's GDP and provides nearly two million jobs, is positioned as a central pillar of the French economy. Delattre will be focusing on consolidations within the tourism sector, including the proposed fusion of the two agencies, Atout France and Business France, aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies.
Delattre's political pedigree is extensive; she has served multiple roles within various capacities, highlighting her as not only a local leader but also as someone who can articulate national interests. She also currently presides over the Radical Party, which she leads since September 2024.
The reshuffle marks a strategic move for Bayrou's government, which he is forming with careful consideration of political alliances. The challenge for Delattre lies not just within the purview of tourism but also being part of the collective strategy aimed at strengthening governance amid challenges posed by opposed factions.
Critics and supporters alike have characterized Delattre’s extensive experience as both beneficial and necessary for the tourism portfolio, particularly as France looks to rebound from economic fluctuations and public health impacts experienced during recent years.
Her stewardship is underscored by previous indications of potential candidacy for the upcoming municipal elections slated for 2026, with many local leaders viewing her as capable of uniting factions for electoral success.
Little over a week after François Bayrou assumed the primacy, the admittance of Delattre to this key role symbolizes continuity and change – continuity of experience, with the change promising new approaches to revitalizing tourism as both local and national treasures.
Naples may be the quintessential example of how cities have effectively revitalized their tourism sectors – something Delattre seeks to mirror within French landscapes. Her approach will be closely monitored as she navigates the complex terrain defined by both intra-party dynamics and broader economic factors affecting tourism.
The first cabinet meeting for the new government has been slated for January 3, 2025, marking another step forward for Delattre and her colleagues as they tackle the road ahead, poised to support and transform a sector so deeply embedded within the French cultural and economic identity.
