The international ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings will take place on 6 June 2024 at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, off Omaha Beach in the département of Calvados, in the presence of dozens of heads of state and surviving veterans.

Six million tourists flocked to Normandy for the 70th anniversary. Although precise figures are not available for 2024, the region is expecting a minimum influx equivalent to that of the previous decade. Elected representatives stress the importance of this commemoration, especially for veterans, most of whom will no longer be present for future anniversaries.

Remembrance tourism in Normandy attracts visitors from all over the world, but certain nationalities are more predominant because of the region's particular history. In 2022, the United States will rank 5th in terms of foreign visitors to Normandy, Belgium will rank 4th, the Netherlands will rank 3rd, Germany will rank 2nd, and the United Kingdom will be the top foreign source of visitors to Normandy. It is also worth noting the presence of Canadians, who also come to visit these sites steeped in history.

What's the weather like for the 2024 reservations?

Departement of Calvados

The economic fallout is already being felt in the Calvados hotel sector, where demand is exceptional. Around 90% of gîtes have already been booked for 6 June, and hotels in Caen have been fully booked for months or even two years. Some accommodation providers are adjusting their rates, while others are considering offers that include museum visits.

The Hôtel De La Marine in Arromanches-les-Bains says: "We've been receiving requests for bookings for the 80th anniversary next year for three years already."

Peak in bookings on D-Day

• The booking rate for 6 June 2024 is already 69.2%, compared...