Two children in white capes pointing at the Dover Patrol obelisk.

Calais Destination Contract

The Destination Contract is a tourism cooperation initiative led by the Hauts-de-France Region. In the Calais area, it is jointly managed by three inter-municipal authorities: the Grand Calais Terres & Mers Agglomeration Community, la Pays d'Opale Community of Municipalities and the Community of Municipalities of the Audruicq Region.

The system in 3 questions

Who is the device intended for?

The Destination Contract is open to a wide range of actors involved in the tourism development of the territory: companies (excluding natural persons acting in a private capacity, excluding agricultural status and SCI), associations under the 1901 law, local authorities, public establishments and tourist offices.

Cap Blanc Nez and its chalk cliffs reflecting in the sea water.

Download the explanatory booklet

Which projects are eligible?

The scheme distinguishes three categories of intervention based on the maturity and nature of your project. Proposed projects must demonstrate eligible expenditures exceeding €30,000.

Projects in the maturation phase

For preliminary studies prior to an investment (opportunity, feasibility, programming, design), carried out by a design office, engineering assistance can be mobilized up to 50% of eligible expenses, within a limit of a ceiling of €50,000.

Projects in the implementation phase

Project management services, finishing work, and capital investments related to the operation of a tourist site or facility may be eligible for investment and sustainability aid. The rate is 30% for public bodies and 20% for businesses or similar entities, in both cases with a ceiling set at €200,000 over two yearsExcluded are: land acquisition, structural work, infrastructure works, taxes and duties, depreciation and provisions, management or banking fees, exceptional charges, as well as signage outside of tourism projects.

Highlights, promotions and entertainment for the destination

Support for marketing development and convergence is also planned, up to 30% of eligible expenses and a maximum of €100,000, with a balanced distribution of costs between local authorities and public funders. This component notably covers an HR position and support for major national or international events taking place over several days.

What concrete benefits will this bring to your business?

Beyond financial assistance, the contract offers enhanced visibility at the territorial level through targeted communication focused on the destination's priority customer segments. It facilitates the adaptation of your offerings to current visitor expectations and contributes to the pooling of resources among local stakeholders, inter-municipal authorities, and regional institutions.

The selected projects may also be put in contact with Hauts-de-France Tourisme, with a view to integration into the Week-end Hauts-de-France platform. A technical committee supports each project leader in preparing their application and defining their priorities.

Running on Sangatte beach under a low tide sun.

Priority customer groups

The Destination Contract directs the development of the offer towards four visitor profiles identified for the Calais region.

Happy Family

Families are looking for shared experiences in the great outdoors, fun and educational activities for children, accessible sports facilities, and accommodations suitable for groups, including large families. The offerings can be developed around nature and educational activities (orienteering courses, treasure hunts, escape games), sporting experiences in cities, by the sea, or in rural areas, the development of equestrian activities, and the playful promotion of the local area.

Warm walkers

These active visitors, who are fans of slow tourism and ecotourism, want to enjoy walking or cycling, sample local cuisine, and stay in comfortable, eco-friendly accommodations. Priority development areas include offering structured slow tourism options (on foot, by bike, on horseback) with appropriate infrastructure (signage, bike services, rest areas), promoting iconic landscapes (polders, dunes, marshes, drainage ditches), improving the quality of visitor services, and developing a suitable local restaurant sector.

Passionate explorers

Passionate about history, industrial heritage, gastronomy, and natural heritage, these visitors seek authentic experiences and wish to discover local skills and traditions. The offerings can include sporting and cultural events, activities exploring local wildlife, flora, and geology, heritage and craft tourism, outdoor activities for sports enthusiasts (hiking, snow sports), and eco-friendly accommodations.

Time for me and for us

Active and aged 30 and over, these visitors need to disconnect and recharge, whether alone or as a couple. They seek contemplation, diverse cuisine, and well-being. Developing the tourism offerings can be structured around high-quality wellness services (spas, treatments, relaxation), rejuvenation in nature, and unique and comfortable accommodations.

How to submit an application?

The application must be submitted via the CDTO 'Calaisis' system. A user account is required to access the platform, along with a project presentation file.

Access the platform

A couple of hikers on the Cap Blanc Nez Loop.

Your contacts

Local authorities Public institutions

Blandine Heux
blandine.heux@grandcalais.fr

Events Associations

Justine Dugast
jdugast@calaisxxl.com