Cannes vigorously promotes digital payment transformation, targeting high-end consumer opportunities

Mayor David Lisnard of Cannes recently announced on his personal LinkedIn that he will launch a comprehensive cryptocurrency payment training program to assist local merchants in adopting digital payment systems. The first training session will be held on February 4, 2024, at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where professionals will explain key aspects of cryptocurrency payment integration, legal regulations, accounting treatment, and tax reporting in an accessible manner.

This plan is expected to impact nearly 3,000 merchants, especially high-end boutiques located on Croisette Avenue that serve international travelers. Lisnard emphasized that the training will be conducted in an educational manner, assisting many merchants who are still unfamiliar with cryptocurrencies to gradually understand and accept this emerging payment method.

加密貨幣-支付培訓-坎城Image source: LinkedIn Mayor David Lisnard of Cannes recently announced on his personal LinkedIn that he will launch a comprehensive cryptocurrency payment training program

The EthCC conference leads the digital wave, expected to bring significant business opportunities

This cryptocurrency payment promotion plan is primarily prepared for the eighth Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC). This largest Ethereum annual event in Europe is expected to take place in Cannes from June 30 to July 3, 2025, with organizers anticipating over 6,500 registered participants, and total attendance possibly exceeding 10,000. The Cannes city government will specially create a 'crypto-friendly merchant map' to help attendees and tourists easily find stores that accept digital currency payments.

Lisnard stated that this is not only a great opportunity for local businesses to connect with the global tech community but also further solidifies Cannes's reputation as an important venue for international events.

As Bitcoin's price surpassed the $100,000 mark last December, the global influence of cryptocurrencies continues to expand, making Cannes's push for digital payment transformation even more indicative of its forward-looking vision.

EthCC-以太坊-社群大會-坎城Image source: The eighth Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC) is expected to be held in Cannes from June 30 to July 3, 2025.

Business reactions are mixed, testing local transformation determination

However, this innovative plan has sparked different voices within the local business community. Jack Pons, chairman of the Cannes Chamber of Commerce, expressed a reserved attitude, pointing out that the existing international credit card payment systems, including American Express, JCB, Diners Club, and Revolut, have sufficiently met the payment needs of international travelers. Pons specifically mentioned that these international payment systems already charge merchants considerable fees, implying that the addition of cryptocurrency payments might increase operational costs for businesses.

Political implications attract attention, showcasing the city's determination for innovation

Although the local business community has mixed feelings about this plan, Mayor Lisnard emphasized that this initiative is not aimed at promoting cryptocurrencies themselves or judging their value, but rather to ensure that Cannes and local merchants do not miss out on potential vast business opportunities. He further explained that the plan aims to help interested merchants 'optimize potential benefits and increase revenue.'

Lisnard pointed out that although cryptocurrencies are quite popular in some countries, they remain a relatively marginal payment method in France, and Cannes should seize the opportunity to position itself as an important city in the cryptocurrency finance industry.

Some political commentators believe that Lisnard's strong promotion of the cryptocurrency payment plan may be related to his political strategy for the 2027 French presidential election. However, regardless of his political motives, this plan indeed demonstrates Cannes's determination to embrace blockchain technology and digital financial innovation. In the context of the rapid development of the global crypto economy, Cannes is taking the lead in encouraging merchants to accept cryptocurrency payments, not only preparing for the upcoming EthCC conference but also creating a new economic development direction for this city known for its arts and culture.

'With the EthCC conference approaching, the mayor promotes the cryptocurrency payment plan, connecting Cannes with crypto finance' This article was first published on 'Crypto City'