The extraordinary General Assembly of the Gers Destination Tourism Departmental Committee approved the statutes of the new Departmental Agency for Attractiveness and Tourism of the Gers, named Gers Attractivité. This structure expands the scope of the former tourism agency to unite partners contributing to the Gers' reputation, attracting new profiles, and supporting their integration into the territory.
The Gers' objective is evolving: beyond tourist attraction, the new agency aims to encourage people to work, start businesses, study, receive healthcare, and live in the department. While retaining the historical missions of tourism observation, development, and promotion, Gers Attractivité now incorporates promotion, communication, and prospecting for territorial attractiveness, as well as structuring an reception and support network.
Governance is opening up to inter-municipalities and stakeholders in economic, medical, student, and residential attractiveness. Facing demographic challenges, employment issues, and the renewal of the active workforce, the agency aims to enhance the Gers' visibility, better coordinate local initiatives, and make the support offered to new residents more accessible.
A departmental attractiveness portal will be created to provide a single point of entry and tailored pathways for different profiles (employment, healthcare, business, studies, families). A departmental reception and support network, with shared tools and a welcome booklet, will complement this strategy.
Following the adoption of the new statutes, Philippe Dupouy, President of the Gers Departmental Council, becomes President of Gers Attractivité. He announced his intention to appoint Élodie Lanave as Deputy President. The operational construction phase will begin with a first General Assembly in November, followed by the adoption of the 2027 budget and action plan in December.
