A public body established as a result of the Decentralisation Act of May 1991, whose powers were further consolidated by a subsequent act dated January 2002, the Corsica Tourist Board has three main aims in its role as the co-ordinator of the island’s tourism activities:

1/ The promotion of Corsica as a destination in all markets and the stimulation of demand which now takes place in 17 countries, predominantly in short-haul European markets. The Tourist Board also carries our targeted marketing campaigns, is present at shows and workshops (where it adopts a unifying role), matches up supply and demand, arranges visits to Corsica for media professionals, as well as publishing a number of multi-lingual promotional documents for the general public. Conscious of the importance of the internet, the Tourist Board has created the island’s official tourism website (visitcorsica.com), which it has managed fully for several years, and which enables the island’s essentially family-orientated and independently-run facilities and services to be showcased. As the body responsible for promoting the island’s image (service providers are responsible for their own marketing), since 2000 the Tourist Board has resolutely geared its marketing approach to highlighting the unique values that set Corsica apart from its competitors, namely: its pristine and unspoilt natural landscapes, a destination that is full of character, and tourism on a human scale, far removed from the image of other destinations which are becoming increasingly standardised and occasionally somewhat sterile. This strategy, ratified at regional tourism conferences, has enabled Corsica to adopt, at a very early stage, a resolute and distinguishing marketing position which focuses on sustainable development, now seen as a leading trend for tomorrow’s markets.

2/ The development of tourist facilities and services, including both public bodies and private projects, when these fall within the remit of the support policies of Corsica’s regional authority, and which have been approved by the Corsican Assembly. These policies are part and parcel of the development plan for Corsica and translate into financial assistance in the form of tourism grant payments. As part of this policy, the Tourist Board has implemented and supports a tourism organisation strategy across the island based around micro-regional groups, in so doing harnessing energy and focusing action in specific areas. The Corsica Tourist Board also places great emphasis on a variety of new development projects such as marinas, golf courses, business tourism facilities, outdoor pursuit venues etc, whose aim is to extend and spread out tourism activities across the year. Lastly, it is also encouraging traditional accommodation providers to increase their capacity in rural areas and to raise their level of quality across the board. On this final point, the Tourist Board is hoping to encompass all of the island’s tourism providers under the regional "Qualité Corse" brand, which it created and manages itself, and which brings with it requirements in terms of professionalism, a commitment to sustainable development and the affirmation of a unique identity, all of which are judged as determining elements when positioning the island to its maximum potential in the hugely competitive Mediterranean marketplace.

3/ The observation of tourism via a database covering the island’s entire tourism facilities and services, the cyclical monitoring of commercial accommodation, as well as customer surveys to measure behavioural patterns, the expectations and consumer trends of visitors, and the image they have of the island. As part of its role, the public research institute publishes a number of records and analyses which enhance strategies and actions, in addition to carrying out theme-based studies. As such, it acts as an important resource centre for all those involved in the tourism sector.

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