Paris’s Olympic Legacy: The City Prepares for the Paralympic Games and New Tourism Peaks
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have wrapped up, but their impact on the city’s tourism scene is just beginning to shine. Over the course of the event, Paris welcomed an impressive 11.2 million visitors, filling the streets and landmarks with a global buzz that’s expected to resonate for weeks to come.
The Paris 2024 Olympics not only attracted a substantial number of international tourists, turning the city into a bustling hub of activity with notable visitors from the U.S., Germany, the U.K., Brazil, China, and Japan, but also transformed it into a hotspot for hotel bookings. The surge in accommodation rates, particularly in the luxury market, highlighted Paris as a prime destination, offering a range of options from boutique hotels to five-star retreats.
As Paris eagerly anticipates the upcoming Paralympic Games later this month, the city is expected to see a continued influx of visitors, with international arrivals projected to increase by nearly 8% compared to last year. This surge in tourism will bring even more excitement and energy to the city, extending the Olympic spirit and further showcasing Paris as a premier global destination.
The 2024 Paralympic Games, held in France for the first time from August 28 to September 8, promise exciting events in para-athletics, wheelchair basketball, and boccia. With over 2.8 million tickets available, many priced under 25 euros and over 500,000 at 15 euros, the Games are more affordable than ever. Already, 1.2 million tickets have been sold, reflecting strong interest as people seek to enjoy the atmosphere of the Games.
During the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, transportation will be significantly impacted. Key metro stations like Concorde and Tuileries, will be closed until September, and vehicle access around event sites will be restricted from 2:30 AM until 1:00 AM. Special lanes on the ring road will prioritize athletes and emergency services, but drivers should expect delays. Protected bike lanes will be available near venues, and 3,000 new Vélib bikes will be introduced. With around 500,000 daily visitors, RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités recommend working from home or delaying travel to avoid congestion.