From 2006 to 2010, the European Tourism Association published a report on the impact of the Olympic Games on host destinations. Research shows that, contrary to what many expected, the Olympics had a negative impact on the number of tourists visiting Japan during the Olympics, resulting in a yearly decline in the number of international arrivals for the country as a whole. It has been found. Travel Weekly Editor-in-Chief Ernie Weissman sat down with CEO Tom Jenkins to find out whether the organization’s pessimism about past Olympics applies to the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris.
tom jenkins
Q: Paris seems to be very well organized for hosting the Olympics, which hasn’t always been the case with previous host cities. Do you think it could have a better impact on tourism than previous tournaments?
A: The general Olympic rules apply to Paris. The Olympics are not a tourist event. The Olympics have nothing to do with tourism. What makes this event a success for the organizers is the enthusiasm and participation of local residents, and I am confident that by that measure it will be a success.
However, a considerable number of foreigners are expected to attend. 25% of tickets were sold to non-citizens. However, these figures do not replace the usual volumes coming to Paris at that time.
Q: So do you think local businesses that rely on the normal summer tourist season will be negatively affected?
A: The Olympics attract people who are interested in sports. Their motives are very narrowly focused. In London, tourist attractions decreased by 50% during the 2012 Summer Olympics. Theatres, shops and the British Museum all experienced a significant lack of traffic. Tourists come during the Olympics not for cultural reasons. It’s the best time to visit the Louvre.
And Paris will change from the Paris that people expect when they go there. Hotel rates are higher than usual. Traffic and movement will be restricted.
Q: You’ve pointed out in the past that negative impacts can affect the entire country, not just the host city. why is that?
A: Tour operators are doing everything they can to continue traffic in the French regions, but even on French regional tours, guests expect Paris to be included, so some travel companies were forced to exclude France from their programs during the Olympics.
Q: In the past, the downturn in tourism was not limited to the Olympic period. Do you think that applies to Paris as well?
A: The good news is that Paris is a global destination, a global destination. We are confident that demand in Paris will recover quickly. This hangover won’t last long, but neither will there be a tangible boom.
Q: Do you think the organizers in Paris know all this?
A: Paris saw what happened in London and realized that it could be very problematic. They believe that international visitors will come to Paris and enjoy the Games experience. It’s a brave and interesting premise with a lot of commercial promise. Let’s see if it turns out to be true.
