Dijon tourism office faces backlash over short-term rental promotion

In Dijon, France, the promotion of short-term rentals by the local tourism office has sparked controversy. The collective ‘Dijon en faveur de l’habitat permanent’ has criticized the 2026-2027 accommodation guide published by Dijon Bourgogne Tourisme & Congrès for giving visibility to short-term furnished rentals and concierge services.

The collective argues that using public funds to promote these services exacerbates local housing tensions by reducing the supply of long-term rentals available to residents, employees, and students. They contend that tourism promotion should not come at the expense of permanent housing accessibility.

On a broader scale, the French hospitality sector is undergoing significant structural changes. While the industry generates over 22 billion euros in revenue and sees more than 220 million overnight stays annually, it faces intense competition from short-term furnished rentals, outdoor hospitality, and tourist residences. The market is characterized by a high proportion of independent establishments, though major chains capture a significant portion of overnight stays.