The first economic assessment of this winter tourist season is, overall, reassuring for the town of Chamonix. The figures this year are comparable to last year's, while the Mont Blanc region as a whole has seen a decline of 6%. This winter 2010 - 2011 was somewhat exceptional (we hope), with little snow. On March 15, many businesses were up by 5%, whereas now at the end of season, the picture is a little less rosy, with some businesses showing an overall decline of 2%. The season rather fizzled-out, despite the considerable efforts of staff in the ski areas. So, the overall view is rather mixed. The attendance rates in the accommodation sector fell by 6% as of the 1st of March, compared to the previous year. The timing of the holidays, the recent economic crisis and the lack of snow this year have all done nothing to encourage tourists to come and visit the mountains. Radio Mont Blanc.
