Summary
The enchanting metropolis of Paris has become a veritable magnet, drawing in over four million tourists, much to the delight of hospitality providers and locals alike. This remarkable phenomenon unfolded during the Paris 2024 Olympics, with a surge in visitors recorded—up by an astonishing 15% compared to last year’s summer. France has embraced its own, with domestic travelers leading the charge, their numbers swelling by an impressive 22%. But the allure of the City of Light was equally irresistible to foreigners, whose presence escalated by 9%. Among the international visitors, the British topped the ranks with around 197,000 eager tourists—a 17% increase. Americans followed closely behind, with 180,000 making their way to the iconic landmarks, contributing to a 6% rise, while Belgian visitors swelled by 33% to reach 126,000. The peak moment arrived on July 26, the day of the opening ceremony, when the streets buzzed with life and laughter, hosting a staggering 360,000 tourists, 62% of whom hailed from countries outside France, particularly from the United States. This influx has proven to be a golden opportunity for Parisian hoteliers, who have basked in an occupancy rate that soared to 84%. Compared to last year, this marks an impressive leap of 10 percentage points. The winds of fortune have filled their sails, allowing them to hike their prices significantly; the average nightly rate skyrocketed from €187 last summer to an astounding €310 this year—a jaw-dropping increase of 66%. Yet, the magic of the Olympics doesn’t seem to have an end in sight. Early bookings for flights to the Parisian paradise for October and November are already rising by 7% and 6% respectively, with a wave of travelers from the U.S. and Asia anticipated to join the jubilant throngs enjoying the afterglow of the Games. In this summer of spectacle and celebration, Paris has not just warmed hearts but has rewritten its tourist narrative, wrapping itself in a tapestry of vibrant culture and unforgettable moments. The city stands tall, its allure undiminished as it continues to dance under the spell of Olympic grandeur.
Original Source: www.europe1.fr
