With the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games just weeks away, Airbnb has reported a substantial increase in travel bookings, reflecting a heightened global interest in the event. Travellers from over 160 countries have already secured their accommodations through Airbnb for the duration of the Games. As of March 31st, the number of nights booked in the Paris region for the Olympic dates has increased by over five times (400 per cent) compared to the same period last year.
Paris remains the most searched city on the platform, with a 40 per cent increase in active listings, ensuring ample availability for guests. Notably, bookings from Indian travellers have surged by approximately 30 per cent, highlighting a growing trend among Indians to plan trips around major sporting events like the Olympics.
Beyond Paris, Indian guests are also exploring other vibrant locations such as Nice, Aubervilliers, Colombes, and Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine. These areas, including key Olympic venues like Colombes (field hockey) and Châteauroux (shooting events), along with cities hosting football matches like Saint-Etienne, Lyon, Nantes, Nice, and Bordeaux, are experiencing significant interest. This strategic distribution of Olympic events throughout France is showcasing lesser-known areas and historic cities, promoting a broader experience of the country for visitors during the Games.
Private firms involved in the flying taxi project include Paris airport operator ADP and Germany-based Volocopter. Its “Volocity” two-seaters are fitted with 18 electric-powered rotors on a circular frame above the fuselage. They hope to use the global draw of the Olympics to show that the technology can efficiently link “vertiport” take-off and landing sites.
“The surge in bookings for Paris reflects an exciting trend among Indian travellers, who are increasingly planning trips around iconic sporting events like the Olympics, showcasing their growing appetite for unique, global experiences. Interestingly, while Paris remains a top destination, these travellers are also venturing beyond traditional tourist spots to explore cities like Saint-Denis and Bordeaux to catch their favourite sports. At Airbnb, we’re excited to connect travellers with unique accommodations that will elevate their 2024 Olympic and summer travel experiences,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.According to a study, stays on Airbnb during the Summer Olympic Games in Paris 2024 are estimated to generate EURO 2,000 (over USD 2,170) for a typical host in the Paris region, having a total economic impact of almost 1 billion euros (over USD 1 billion) and supporting almost 7,300 full-time equivalent jobs in the country.
As the world gears up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Airbnb is thrilled to connect travellers with unique accommodations, ensuring a memorable experience during this global celebration of sports.
