Today Europe is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Landing and the Battle of Normandy. This historic event, which marked the liberation of Europe, is much more than just a reminder of the past. It also has a significant impact on tourism in the region.

It will stimulate memory tourism in the region!

Influx of visitors 🌍

In 2022, memory tourism attracted 11.4 million visitors to places of remembrance in France, an increase of 46% compared to 2021. Among these visitors, 2.7 million had come from abroad. These figures reflect the growing importance of historical memory and commemoration on a global scale.

Despite the lack of data, the global market for remembrance tourism is constantly evolving. Nevertheless, commemorations and historic sites continue to attract travellers from all over the world, eager to remember and understand the events of the past.

Normandy, with its landing beaches, museums and memorials, is one of the flagship destinations for lovers of history and commemoration.

It gives 8 410 local jobs this economic impact generated by remembrance are essential for local areas, and in some cases are the main lever of attractiveness," explains Alexandra Derveaux, head of the remembrance tourism unit at the French Ministry of the Armed Forces.*

Labelled Events 🎉

The Normandy Region has labelled several hundred events for the anniversary year, from March 1 to October 15, 2024. On the program: synchronised fireworks, Freedom concerts in Omaha Beach, Liberation balls, international parachutes, and much more.

These festivities attract more six million of visitors throughout the year, strengthening the link between history and tourism.

A Duty of Memory and Celebration 🕊️

Every year, Normans and visitors remember what happened in 1944. The 80th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the freedom regained thanks to the soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives.

Number of Delegations Expected 🤝

It expect the participation of more than 50 international delegations. Heads of state, veterans, historians and history enthusiasts will converge on Normandy to pay tribute to the heroes of the past.

Tourism of memory remains to be developed, and given the trends, more and more of us will be combining visits, history and heritage in our next tourism experience.


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