THE BLOG

New Nice Congress Center: A Sustainable Infrastructure for Business Tourism

An Official Announcement at SIMI 2024: Christian Estrosi unveiled a flagship project for the future of business tourism in the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis.
Innovative and Sustainable Features: Modular hall, panoramic rooftop, and a connected maritime terminal.
A Successful Presentation to Professionals: More than 60 stakeholders gathered in Nice to discover the features of the future Congress Center.

A Key Project Unveiled at SIMI

During SIMI 2024, the leading trade show for commercial real estate, Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, and Deputy President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, introduced the new Nice Congress Center, a strategic infrastructure for business tourism.

Designed to enhance the appeal of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, this project is part of an ambitious four-season tourism development initiative and is built around three core pillars:

Innovation, with modular, digitalized, and cutting-edge equipment.
Sustainability, through construction meeting the highest environmental standards.
Accessibility, supported by an efficient transport network connecting Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and local infrastructure.

Joined by Xavier Latour, Vice-President of the Metropolis, in charge of training, higher education, and research, and President of the EPA Nice Écovallée; Jacques Richier, Metropolitan Councilor, in charge of economy, tourism, innovation, and employment, and President of Team Nice Côte d’Azur; Emmanuel Dupart, Deputy Director of France Congrès et Événements; and Julien Bonafous, Commercial Director of Centaurus Hospitality Management Maison Albar, Christian Estrosi emphasized the strategic impact of this project on Nice’s international visibility.

A Sustainable and Innovative Facility

Located at the Port of Nice, the Congress Center will be inaugurated in June 2025 during the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference. Its highlights include:

A modular hall of 3,600 m², accommodating up to 2,100 people, ideal for conferences, trade shows, or concerts.
A panoramic rooftop of 1,600 m², offering a unique setting for premium receptions.
A 3,800 m² maritime terminal, promoting sustainable mobility and designed for ship electrification.

Funded through a dedicated budget for port and commercial activities, this project will not burden local public finances. With over 30 confirmed expressions of interest, it is set to become a major economic driver for the Metropolis.

A Presentation Dedicated to Professionals

In Nice, more than 60 industry stakeholders gathered on Friday, December 13, for a detailed presentation of the opportunities offered by this infrastructure. Hervé Laubertie, Managing Director of Team Nice Côte d’Azur, and Jean-Sébastien Martinez, Managing Director of the Metropolitan Tourism Office Nice Côte d’Azur, highlighted:

Personalized support offered to event organizers, including tools like business tours and audiovisual resources.
The center’s exceptional capabilities, combining modularity and connectivity.
Economic and environmental impacts, with a project designed to align with a sustainable and innovative vision.

The event facilitated discussions on the challenges of business tourism and confirmed participants’ enthusiasm for this transformative project.

With events like the Nice Boating Tomorrow trade show already planned, the Congress Center will further strengthen Nice’s position as a key player in business tourism in Europe.