Paris Tourism expects to raise €2.6 billion during the Olympic Games

11-06-24

As Paris prepares to host the 2024 Olympic Games at the renowned Stade de France, the city will experience a significant increase in sports tourism, event participation and international business opportunities. 

Central to this boom is the simplified Schengen visa application process, designed to improve accessibility and convenience for international visitors. This simplification aims to facilitate smoother entry into France, ensuring that travelers can easily enjoy the Olympic festivities and explore Parisian attractions. 

Travelers wishing to experience the Olympic Games in Paris can benefit from the Schengen visa, which grants access to 26 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. 

This single visa simplifies travel in Europe, making it easier for tourists to extend their stays and explore multiple countries, which is especially attractive during the Olympic season.

With an expected 2.3 to 3.1 million visitors, the Olympic Games are expected to generate significant economic activity. According to the Paris Tourist Office, visitors will spend around 2.6 billion euros during the Games. This influx will not only strengthen the local economy, but will also boost the events industry, with increased demand for Olympic-related events, business meetings and cultural celebrations. 

The focus on facilitating visa applications is crucial to encourage global participation in the Games and associated events. This policy supports the growth of the sporting events industry and sports tourism by ensuring a smooth entry process for attendees, athletes and officials.

The influx of visitors also benefits the transportation and hospitality sectors. Airports such as Orly and Charles de Gaulle are increasing their passenger capacity, essential to accommodate travel demands during the Games. Similarly, the hospitality industry will thrive, with a wide range of accommodations needed to meet the diverse preferences and budgets of international visitors. Paris-Le Bourget Airport, the main hub for the French capital, is fully prepared to welcome visitors from around the world for the 2024 Olympic Games, anticipated to be one of the grandest global events.

This influx is expected to significantly boost tourism in France, enhancing the travel, hotel and airline industries. In July 2023, Le Bourget handled more than 6.5 million passengers, indicating its readiness to handle Olympic crowds. 

Similarly, Paris-Orly Airport is also preparing for an increase in traffic, having accommodated more than 3.2 million passengers in the same month. 

As these airports prepare for increased activity, Paris' tourist hotspots are poised to captivate the world, reflecting the city's vibrant culture and history under the glare of the Olympic Games.