On a typical summer day, the historic Marais district of Paris is a bustling hub of activity. Tourists flock to its charming, medieval streets, marvel at stunning private mansions, and immerse themselves in the elegance of the 17th-century Place des Vosges. The air is usually filled with the hum of chatter from numerous cafes and restaurants. However, this summer has been anything but typical. The streets, shops, and cafes have been markedly emptier as the Paris Olympics draw near, leaving local businesses yearning for the vibrant summers of the past.
Take Stolly’s Stone Bar, for instance, a popular haunt for English-speaking tourists. On a recent, sluggish weekday, David Carroll stood behind the bar, contemplating the stark contrast to the bustling summers he was used to. When the news broke that the Olympics were coming to Paris, business owners like Carroll had high hopes for a surge in tourism. Instead, they have been greeted with a disconcerting calm. Potential tourists have opted to steer clear of Paris, deterred by the anticipated high prices, overwhelming crowds, or the general chaos associated with such a monumental event.
Analysts point to the steep costs of travel and accommodation during the Olympic season as a significant deterrent. Olivier Ponti, vice president of insights at ForwardKeys, a travel data company, noted that arrivals to Paris in the three weeks leading up to the Games were down by 13% compared to the previous year. This indicates that regular tourists are postponing their trips. While there has been an 8% increase in arrivals during the Olympic period, it hasn’t been enough to offset the overall decline. The prospect of inflated prices and logistical challenges has led many travelers to rethink their Parisian summer plans.
Those who do decide to brave the Olympic crowds face exorbitant hotel prices. Tim Hentschel, CEO of Hotelplanner, a hotel booking platform, highlighted that Paris hotels are experiencing only 70% occupancy compared to 90% at the same time last year. The average rate for a hotel room has skyrocketed to 700 euros a night, twice as high as the usual rate. This dramatic price hike has left many rooms empty, as consumers simply cannot bear the cost. In response, hotels are now beginning to drop their rates to attract more guests.
Interestingly, Airbnb has seen a surge in bookings, positioning the Paris Olympics as one of the biggest hosting events in its history. More guests are opting to stay in local homes through Airbnb than at any other event before. This shift suggests that travelers are seeking more affordable and authentic accommodation options amidst the Olympic frenzy.
In sum, the anticipated tourism boom for Paris this summer has not materialized as expected. High travel and accommodation costs, coupled with fears of overcrowding and chaos, have kept many tourists at bay. While the city hoped for a bustling Olympic season, business owners and analysts alike are left grappling with the unexpected quiet. The Marais district, with its rich history and charm, awaits the return of its usual summer vibrancy, hoping that the post-Olympic period will bring back the tourists they so dearly miss.