Online travel booking sites are reporting higher hotel rates in Paris and other locations in France for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games. Priceline notes increases in average daily rates in Roissy-en-France, Marseille, and Bordeaux compared to the same time in 2023. Paris is also experiencing a significant increase in hotel rates, prompting travelers to look for more affordable options in suburbs like Créteil, just outside Paris.
Trivago and Expedia Group have seen a slight overall decrease in demand for Paris and Nice during the Olympics, with users researching other cities more often. Despite the decrease, Paris and Nice remain the most searched-for cities in France. Expedia Group’s Senior VP Rob Torres notes an increase in travelers searching for Paris during the summer months, with Bordeaux, Marseille, Lyon, and Magny-le-Hongre, near Disneyland Paris, also seeing increased interest for this summer.
Paris is considered one of the world’s biggest tourism powerhouses, with a strong travel and tourism sector of nearly $36 billion in 2022 according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. Hostelworld CEO Gary Morrison reports an increase in occupancy and bookings for hostels in Paris for the Olympics, with around 50-55% occupancy compared to the normal 40%. Travelers are looking ahead and booking early to secure their accommodations for the Games.
Priceline spokesperson Christina Bennett recommends looking for more affordable options in suburbs and surrounding areas when visiting major event locations like Paris. Expedia Group’s Rob Torres confirms an increase in interest and length of stay for Paris during the summer months, with other cities like Bordeaux, Marseille, Lyon, and Magny-le-Hongre also experiencing significant upticks in interest for the upcoming summer. Lyon, which hosts soccer venues, saw the greatest boost in interest out of these cities on Trivago, with a 56% increase from 2023.
Overall, there is a bustling summer of bookings expected across France for the 2024 Olympic Games. The soccer frenzy surrounding the Games is contributing to increased demand and higher hotel rates in popular destinations like Paris, Marseille, and Bordeaux. Travelers are advised to book early and look for more affordable options in suburbs and surrounding areas to secure their accommodations for the busy summer season. Hostel bookings are also on the rise, with increased occupancy and bookings for hostels in Paris for the Olympics.
