Pas de la Casa businesses welcome early reopening but brace for future closures and push for better

Andorra's head of government, Xavier Espot, confirmed last Friday that the RN-20 road through Pas de la Casa will reopen on 9 March, six weeks ahead of the initial three-month estimate after a landslide. Businesses in the area have welcomed the news as a vital respite, though many remain cautious about future disruptions and the adequacy of government support.

Raül Calvo, president of the Andorran Tobacco Traders Union (UCAT), called the announcement a "mix of satisfaction and prudence." He commended the effective coordination between Andorran and French authorities, describing France's response as "very correct and serious." However, with stabilisation works expected to last 12 to 18 months and potential partial closures in May or June, Calvo urged preparation. "We must be ready if they close it again; the story is not over," he said. UCAT plans to submit proposals to the government next week, including a commercial "show festival" from May into early summer and marketing campaigns targeting Occitania.

Tourist accommodation and hotel sectors reported limited impact. AEAT president Àlex Ruiz said bookings held firm, with more new reservations than cancellations despite initial March uncertainties. "The surprise was ours: people did not cancel, they kept their reservations and made new ones," Ruiz noted, crediting support from the government and parishes. February occupancy remained high during French Carnival, and the AEAT plans to notify 160,000 proximity clients of the reopening and alternative routes used earlier. Unió Hotelera president Albert Mora echoed this, reporting around 90% February occupancy and no wave of cancellations. "The impact was not as significant as first feared," Mora said, though he highlighted heavier effects on day-trip commerce and restaurants reliant on French visitors.

Retailers and eateries described sales drops of 40-70%. Minister and spokesperson Guillem Casal noted a modest increase in vehicle entries after distributing €30 fuel vouchers to 1,215 recipients at a €35,000 cost. Yet businesses criticised the measure as ineffective, with French visitors often refuelling and departing without local purchases. Liquor store owner Pierre Tropins worried about ongoing mountain instability and said small outlets like his struggle to access aid, which feels like payment deferrals still liable for IGI tax. Perfumery worker Vanessa Aguirrezabal reported 50% fewer customers but credited local buyers, British and Russian visitors for relief. Restaurant manager Albert Santos saw a 70% client drop, ski rental worker Lucas Escobedo noted milder effects, clothing shop employee Jose Sánchez lamented missing day-trippers, and souvenir shop owner Susana Gonçalves recorded 40% losses despite ski proximity.

Josep Maria Mas, president of Pas de la Casa's Chamber of Commerce and Economic and Social Council, hailed the date as "breathing space" that secures Easter tourism. The sector awaits an Andorra Turisme media campaign to reassure French clients, a request renewed at a recent extraordinary meeting. Fixed costs continued without revenue, but ERTO furloughs were ruled out given the shorter closure. Businesses stress the need to quantify losses and tailor incentives for direct local benefits.