Vannes, a port in the Gulf of Morbihan, has a well-established reputation for tourism which was officially endorsed in June 2006 by the award of the “station touristique et balnéaire” label (Tourist and Seaside Resort label).
This classification, which is highly significant in terms of image, provides a boost to the standing of a town that is already renowned at the national level for its economic dynamism and the quality of its environment. Vannes applied to be classed as a Tourist and Seaside Resort as long ago as 1996-1997. This request would not have come to fruition so rapidly without the personal intervention of François Goulard at the highest level (among other obstacles, the approval of the Prime Minister and that of several ministries is required). Classification as a Tourist and Seaside Resort means that Vannes meets the necessary requirements in terms of hotel capacity, other tourist services, environmental policy (wastewater management, waste disposal, etc.), bathing water quality, quality of the natural and urban environment, leisure activities available, richness of its cultural heritage, etc.
This label, which will further increase the attractiveness of the Morbihan's principal town to tourists, could also lead to the construction of a casino.This is one of the specific advantages granted to seaside resorts.Casinos are authorised (under certain conditions) and the host council area can also impose taxes on gaming profits.