Paris, France - September 10, 2023 : Olympic rings of Paris 2024 summer games on Place de l'Hotel de Ville square

Sport Tourism and the Paris Olympics: An Unexpected Twist

Updated July 30, 2024

Sport tourism, a growing sector involving travel for sporting events, is facing an unexpected challenge during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Contrary to predictions of a tourism boom, the city is experiencing a surprising downturn, offering valuable insights into the complexities of hosting major sporting events.

Paris, usually bustling with visitors, finds many of its streets, cafes, and attractions unusually quiet. This phenomenon isn't unprecedented - cities like London, Athens, and Atlanta also saw drops in summer visitors when hosting the Games.

Let's break down the situation with specific numbers:

Accommodation Prices:

Hotel rates have jumped by nearly 70%, from an average of €202 ($219) in July 2023 to €342 ($370) during the Olympic period.
Some Airbnb hosts, who initially inflated prices, have had to slash rates by over 50%. For instance, a two-bedroom loft near Notre Dame reduced its nightly rate from $1,407 to $683 during the first week of the Games.

Airline Challenges:

Air France-KLM projects a revenue drop of €150-170 million ($163-184 million) in the third quarter.
Delta Air Lines anticipates a $100 million hit due to reduced travel volume to France.

Restaurant Struggles:

Some restaurants, particularly in high-security zones, have seen sales plummet by more than 50%.

Olympic Tickets: Despite the tourism slump, it's still possible to attend the Olympics. As of late July, out of 10 million tickets for sale, 8.95 million have been sold or allocated. This means there are still over a million tickets available for purchase, offering a unique opportunity for last-minute travelers.

Security measures, including road closures and restricted zones, have disrupted normal city life. Many Parisians have left the city, further contributing to the quieter atmosphere. Remi Calmon, director of a trade union representing food and beverage businesses, described the situation as "catastrophic" for cafes and bars in Paris.

Is it worth visiting Paris now? It depends on your priorities. For Olympic enthusiasts, this could be a unique opportunity to experience the Games without the usual overcrowding. You might find better deals on accommodations as prices are being adjusted downward. However, if you're seeking the typical Parisian experience, many attractions are affected by Olympic installations and security measures, potentially limiting access to iconic sites.

In conclusion, the Paris Olympics offer a fascinating case study in sport tourism, challenging assumptions about its economic impact. While the Games themselves promise excitement and tickets are still available, the broader effects on the city's tourism landscape have been unexpected, highlighting the complex interplay between major sporting events and their host cities.