The tourist office renews its category 1 classification 

On October 30, the tourist office renewed the Category I prefectural classification, for a period of 5 years. 

Category I: the highest distinction in the ranking 

Classification in category I is a prefectural classification valid for 5 years which highlights the performance of a structure in terms of:  

• Home 
• Of information 
• Tourism promotion 
• Coordination of local tourism stakeholders.

In our territory, the classification concerns the tourist information offices of Houlgate, Merville-Franceville-Plage, Dives-sur-Mer and Beuvron-en-Auge. 

What are the issues behind the category I classification? 

There are tourism issues (promotion and development of the territory), policies et financial (increase in the level of state subsidies for municipalities), linked to classified stations. Indeed, for a municipality in the territory to become a classified tourist resort (case for Houlgate and Merville-Franceville-Plage), its tourist office must be classified in category I. 

How is the classification in category I carried out? 

The classification is requested by the community of municipalities in charge of tourism competence, in the form of a deliberation. Then, the tourist office creates a file presenting its structure and attaches the necessary annexes which will prove that the requirements are respected. 

Staff skills, tourism development strategy, opening hours to the public, signage, parking, layout of premises, tools and methods for welcoming different clienteles, editions and digital tools, sustainable development, quality and progress approach, etc. are in progress. part of the areas of expertise studied to obtain the ranking. 

Apolline Morcel, Reception and Quality Manager of the Normandy Cabourg Pays d'Auge tourist office

The final document is sent to the prefecture which has a period of 2 months to grant classification.