Contact: Mr Prosper Wanner
FCN members since: 2013
Profile: Cultural Tourism, Socially Responsible Business
Membership status: Active
Background
The Hôtel du Nord heritage co-operative was founded in 2011 by eight heritage communities in Marseille. It is part of a heritage process initiated in 1995 in the northern districts of Marseille. Its purpose is to draw economic benefit from the heritage of the city of Marseille to keep it alive and improve the quality of life of those who live and work there. The founding principles of the co-operative are free, voluntary and open membership, democratic power exercised by the members (one member, one vote), control by residents (according to its statute, they hold at least 51% of the voting rights), the exchange of knowledge with a “school for hosts”, the pooling of resources (website, brand) as well as autonomy and independence. To date, there are 70 members; in accordance with its statute, more than half are resident hosts, while a third are legal persons (companies and associations).
Description of Activity
Its activities include the management of its Hôtel du Nord brand (an identifying trademark, label and symbol), a joint Internet platform for online promotion and sales, training and exchange of knowledge through the school for hosts and the promotion of local products that showcase heritage. The Hôtel du Nord is a network of hosts who enable visitors to discover the local heritage and hospitality with 60 guest rooms, some 100 heritage walks and around 50 local works and products. The co-operative is currently developing hospitality co-operation with hospitals, urban hikers (GR2013 trail), ethical travel agencies, groups of companies and local authorities. The Hôtel du Nord co-operates with other similar initiatives in Europe by offering them in situ training and exchanges of knowledge and know-how.
