With days to go until the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, American house rental company Airbnb has reported a noticeable increase in bookings for travel abroad in the weeks preceding the competition.

According to a press statement by Airbnb, nights booked during the dates of the Olympics are over five times or 400 pc higher than they were in the Paris region the same time a year ago.

Travellers from more than 160 countries and regions have already booked their stays with Airbnb during the sporting event. 

The statement adds that Paris remains the top-searched city on the platform, with a nearly 40 pc increase in active listings in the region, ensuring ample availability for guests. 

Asian countries are leading in terms of bookings. Airbnb says the highest increase in travellers coming from India, Mainland China, Hong Kong (SAR) and Japan. 

India alone witnessed an approximately 30 pc increase in booking of stays in and around Paris during the Games.

Beyond Paris, Indian travellers are also exploring other vibrant locations such as Nice.

These areas, including key Olympic venues like Colombes for field hockey and Châteauroux for shooting events, along with cities hosting football matches like Saint-Etienne, Lyon, Nantes, Nice, and Bordeaux, are experiencing significant interest. 

The statement says that 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.

Amanpreet Bajaj

“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,” says Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

“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 are excited to connect the travellers with unique accommodations that will elevate their 2024 Olympic and summer travel experiences,” Bajaj adds.

According to a study, stays on Airbnb during the dates of the Summer Olympic Games in Paris 2024 are estimated to generate EUR 2,000 (over USD 2,170 USD) for a typical host in the Paris region, having a total economic impact of almost EUR 1 billion (USD 1.1 billion) and supporting almost 7,300 full-time equivalent jobs in the country.