To be held in Paris from 26 July to 11 August 2024, the summer Olympic Games will bring together more than 10,000 athletes representing nations from all over the world.

The games will be the biggest event ever organised in France and hotels are braced for soaring bookings.

Digital marketing platform Sojern confirms that countries see massive travel spikes surrounding major sporting events as attendees flock to cheer on their teams.

How long are travellers staying in Paris for the Olympics?

Tickets for the 33rd Olympic Games went on sale on 30 November 2023, and travel demand to France has already increased substantially.

Arrival dates vary, indicating that travellers are likely planning trips around specific events and available vacation time.

With an average trip length of 11 days compared to 13.2 in 2023, it's clear that the Olympic Games are driving travel decisions.

According to Sojern flight booking data, 23.8% of bookings during the Olympic period to Paris originate from the US, making it the top source country internationally, followed by Canada, UK, Japan and Spain.

Hotels across France will benefit

While international travellers are flocking to Paris for the Olympics, Parisians are finding solace by visiting hotels elsewhere in France.

Currently, hotel bookings from Parisians travelling to other parts of France are up 49% during the Olympics season compared to 2023, indicating that many Parisians plan to leave the city to avoid crowds.

Lille, Nice, Corsica, Lyon and Toulouse are top destinations. This gives hoteliers across France the opportunity to attract Parisians to their properties during the Olympic period.

Sporting events renew interest in host destinations long after the final match. After Qatar hosted the World Cup, the country reportedly saw a 79% to 255% increase in international lodging searches, against seasonal travel trends.

GlobalData analysis finds that France will attract 93.7m international travellers by 2025 and cement itself as the most visited country in the world.