International Air Travel to France Up 56% for Paris Olympics, Reports Amadeus – Travel And Tour World

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Japan and Korea are at the forefront among Asia Pacific countries in the top 10 rankings for air bookings to France.

Just one month before the Summer Olympics, traveler interest in France is surging. According to Amadeus business intelligence data as of June 6, 2024, international air travel to France has increased by 56% for the Olympic period between July 24 and August 13, while domestic air travel has risen by 31%.

All host cities are set to benefit from the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Paris, already a top global tourist destination, expects 72% more travelers than the same period last year during the Summer Olympics. The Paralympics, scheduled from August 28 to September 8, will also see a 16% boost in travel to Paris, particularly from the United States, Spain, and Canada.

In Lille, which will host basketball and handball events, visitor numbers are set to more than quadruple, with overall bookings up by an impressive 203% compared to last summer. This surge includes a 300% increase in domestic travelers and a 181% rise in international visitors.

Bordeaux, hosting football, and Marseille, hosting sailing and football, are also experiencing significant increases in bookings, both seeing a 38% rise.

Domestic travel within France shows a notable increase of 31% compared to the same time last year. However, the majority of growth stems from international travelers, with a 56% rise in bookings from around the globe.

The ranking of origin countries based on air booking volumes is as follows:

Graph data represents all air passengers booked through the main global distribution systems (GDSs) as of June 6, 2024:

1. In Paris, the majority of travelers will be arriving from the United States, Japan, and Canada.
2. Marseille in the south will welcome many Americans, while Lille in the north will see a strong presence of Algerians and British travelers.
3. Bordeaux will also experience a significant influx of British and American visitors.
4. Nice and Lyon are expecting an increased number of Americans and Germans.
5. In Nantes, Germans and Canadians will have the largest footprint.

Hotel Occupancy Rates on the Rise

According to Amadeus’ Demand360+® business intelligence data recorded on May 31, hotel occupancy rates in France for the week of July 28 are up 86% compared to the same week last year, and up 88% for the first week of August.

In Paris, hotels are nearing full capacity with an occupancy rate of 81% for the week of July 28 and 76% for the week of August 4. Those planning last minute may find it challenging to secure a room in the coming weeks.

In Lille, hotel occupancy rates are at 56% for the week of July 28 and 35% for the first week of August, representing increases of 171% and 91% compared to the same periods last year. Marseille’s occupancy rates are approaching 70% for the last week of July and 57% for the first week of August, more than double the rates from the same time in 2023.

Regarding alternative accommodations like Airbnb, nights sold in Paris are up 64% for the Olympics dates and up 74% for the Paralympics dates compared to the same periods last year.

With over 50% of hotel bookings made 0-14 days before the stay, last-minute travelers may be surprised. Currently, the average daily rate (ADR) in Paris is down 13% at $724 USD and down 7% at $616 USD in the rest of France, compared to an earlier analysis on April 1, 2024.

With flight bookings and occupancy rates significantly higher than average throughout Paris and other Olympic and Paralympic host cities, the hospitality sector in France is set for a busy summer season.