Parisian hotel sector looks gloomy as Olympic Games approach

With the Olympic Gamesit was supposed to be a record summer for the Parisian hotel sector, but it is not the case. Less than three weeks before the festivities, tourists seem to be giving the capital a miss.

For a hotel located at the foot of the hill Montmartrethis end of June has nothing to do with the previous months. The hotel is only half full, compared to at least 80% in recent years at the same time.

According to the hotel manager, the imminence of this major sporting event is partly responsible for the current drop.

“II think the Olympics effect is counterproductive, since everything is very expensive. I think we explained to tourists that traffic restrictions were going to be complicated, that the price of the metro ticket was going to triple, that the amount of the tourist tax had already tripled. Added to that, difficult weather, so people are less inclined to come. ” says Aldric Duval, hotel manager.

The average price for a night in Paris is 381 euros during the Olympic competitions (compared to 202 euros last July) and 212 euros during the Paralympic Games (compared to 161 euros in summer 2023).

Tourism and hospitality professionals are hoping to make up for lost time and money thanks to the showcase effect the Olympics will have on their bookings for future seasons.