Cannes is positioning itself as a pioneer in the adoption of cryptocurrency payments and the Web3 era, empowering its merchants to attract a global clientele and strengthen their local economy.
The Cannes International Film Festival, one of the most emblematic events in the world of cinema, is not only preparing to welcome the stars of the seventh art, but also to Embrace a new technological era.
In a visionary move, the French city's mayor, David Lisnard, has said that Cannes is training its merchants to accept cryptocurrency payments, positioning itself as a leader in the adoption of emerging technologies and the Web3 era.
An initiative driven by global demand for cryptocurrencies
Every year, during the second half of May, Cannes becomes the epicenter of cinema, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world. However, this year, the city will not limit itself to being a stage for the film industry; it will also become a renowned tourist destination that seeks to adapt to the needs of an increasingly digital clientele.
The Mayor of Cannes has been clear that his vision is to foster innovation in emerging technologies in the city, to strengthen the economy and local development.
In a post on LinkedIn, Lisnard highlighted the importance of local retailers integrating these technologies to remain competitive in a globalised environment.
“It is not a question of judging the merits of cryptocurrencies or promoting them, but rather of preventing Cannes and local businesses from depriving themselves of a potential clientele with high purchasing power”, he pointed.
Training for digital transition
To facilitate this transition towards digital assets and finance, The city plans a training on Tuesday, February 4, which will take place at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes. This training will be led by experts in the field to address technical, legal, accounting and tax aspects related to the use of cryptocurrencies in business. Attendees will receive recommendations on the best solutions available on the market to integrate these technologies into their daily operations.
Lisnard stresses that this initiative not only responds to the growing demand from tourists accustomed to making payments with cryptocurrencies, but also offers a unique opportunity for local merchants to expand their clientele and increase their revenue.
He further revealed that the training will include a focus on the regulatory and security challenges associated with cryptocurrencies, in order to provide businesses with the tools necessary to navigate this new financial terrain with confidence.
“Cannes retailers and social professionals are invited to a training session on Tuesday 4 February at 14.30 pm”, the mayor reported.
EthCC: A catalyst for innovation in Cannes
Cannes is not only preparing for the Film Festival, but also to host the 8th edition of the Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC), which will take place between June 30 and July 3, 2025. This event, which could attract more than 6.000 accredited participants and 9.000 attendees, is the largest annual gathering in Europe dedicated to the Ethereum blockchain technology.
EthCC’s presence in Cannes reinforces the city’s position as a hub for technological innovation. For local merchants, this event represents a unique opportunity to benefit from the influx of visitors accustomed to transacting in cryptocurrencies. By being prepared to serve these customers, businesses can differentiate themselves and offer a more personalized and engaging experience.
Lisnard stressed that cryptocurrencies and digital assets are already widespread in some countries, but that remain marginal in France, so their goal, by training their merchants to receive payments in cryptoassets, is to enable them to optimize the potential of these innovations to increase their revenues.
Strategies to promote crypto-friendly businesses
To ensure that accredited delegates at EthCC can easily find businesses that accept cryptocurrencies, the city is implementing several information and promotion strategies. One of the key initiatives is the Creating maps and guides that highlight “crypto-friendly” establishments in the city. These resources will be accessible both online and in physical format, allowing visitors to plan their purchases and experiences in advance.
Furthermore, they are developing Digital marketing and social media campaigns to promote businesses that offer cryptocurrency payment optionsLisnard said this strategy will not only help attract more customers, but will also help create a local community that is more aware of and promotes emerging technologies.
Cannes on the global stage
The city of Cannes competes with the best tourist destinations in the world, and its ability to adapt to current technological trends is crucial to maintaining its leading position. The integration of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies into local commerce can become an additional attraction that distinguishes the city from other tourist locations.
Lisnard has stressed the importance of championing and enhancing local commerce, and by leveraging cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, the city will not only be able to maintain its competitiveness but also become a role model for other cities looking to innovate and thrive in the digital world.
The inclusion of cryptocurrencies in Cannes' local commerce is not just a response to an emerging trend, but an opportunity for the city to position itself as a leader in innovation and technological tourism.
