A STUDY of the economic impact of Bergerac Airport found that 95 per cent of people passing through the facilities were from the UK.
The research by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de la Dordogne (CCID), who have responsibility for the airport, also found that one in five passengers lived in the region, covering the Dordogne, Lot et Garonne, Charente and the Lot.
Local artisans were also asked about the impact on their business since the opening of the first low-cost air route to Bergerac in 2002, with 40 per cent saying they had seen an increase in the number of British clients.
And when asked how important these clients were to their overall business, one in four said that they received at least 25 per cent of their custom from Brits.
The wine growers of the Bergerac region have also seen an increase in business with 40 per cent saying they have have regular British buyers.
As for income being brought into the region, when on holiday people spend an average of €87 a day covering accommodation, restaurant visits and local transport, while long term residents have a monthly budget of €1,250.
In total just over €157 million is brought into the Dordogne by both holidaymakers and British residents of the département, while around 600 businesses are believed to be run by Brits in the region.
The study was carried out throughout 2007 and questions were asked of 1,230 passengers spread across all the flights operating out of Bergerac Airport.
Download the Economic Impact of Bergerac Airport (.pdf) report or read in-page below.