Economic conditions in 2004 (source : INSEE)

The construction sector was still responsible for revitalising the island economy in 2004. However, hotel and campsite occupancy were down.  This situation resulted in a near stagnation of wage-earning employment and a slight deterioration of the work market.

Public Buildings and Works (PBW) sector
This sector continues to revitalise the Corsican economy. New construction clearly progressed, particularly the construction of new housing as well as professional premises. Public works began to pick up, with small companies reaping most of the benefits. However, the development of a Plan Exceptionnel d'Investissements (Exceptional Investment Plan or "PEI") has not yet led to a substantial and sustainable demand.

Tourism
Occupancy was down by 15% in 2004, compared to 2003. This decline is mainly due to a decrease in the number of French (-21% of person-nights) and even foreign tourists (-3% of person-nights). This drop in turnover is especially alarming for hotels that experience simultaneously a decrease in the number of person-nights, the bed occupancy rate and the average length of stays. Many tourists opt for other types of lodging (campsites, B&B, etc.), or choose to spend less time on the island.

Passenger traffic
The number of passengers going through the island's ports and airports has declined by 5.5%, and has been known to drop by 6.6% during the summer season. The port of Ajaccio is the exception, with a rise of 23% in its passenger traffic, thanks to cruise ship operators.

Employment
The evolution of wage-earning employment corresponds to the situation observed in the different sectors of the economy. The BPW sector generated 500 new jobs. On the other side of the coin, however, the disappointing tourist season led to the loss of 250 jobs in hotels and restaurants and 120 jobs in cultural and sports-related activities.  The number of job seekers has not decreased. The situation for long-term unemployed people and those over 50-years of age has worsened.