Kickoff in six months. On July 26, the Olympic flame will light up in the Parisian sky until August 11. If the fever of the Games does not permeate the country at this stage, hoteliers and private hosts are eager to welcome visitors from all over the world. In Paris, but also throughout France… and therefore on the Côte d’Azur.
From Paris to Nice, there is only one step
“It is too early to quantify the impact” of the Summer Olympics, warns Eric Abhissira. But for the president of Umih (union of hotel trades and industries) Nice Côte d’Azur, “an international event of this magnitude will inevitably have an impact on the attendance of our establishments in Nice. 16 million visitors are announced. People who come to Paris will want to shine in particular on the Côte d’Azur, the most attractive destination.”
In summer, 55% of its visitors are foreigners, recalls the Côte d’Azur Tourism Observatory. “The high-end positioning of the Côte d’Azur constitutes an undeniable asset for these customers looking for a complementary seaside stay between sporting events taking place in Paris.” From the capital to the coast is just a flight or train ride away.
Six matches at the Allianz Riviera
After the four Rugby World Cup matches, the Allianz Riviera will host six Olympic football matches.Sebastien Botella / PHOTOPQR/NICE MATIN/MAXPPP.
With six football matches at the Allianz Riviera from July 24 to 31, Nice and the Coast will have their share of the Olympic cake. All the benefits for hotel occupancy. “We can imagine that we will be impacted by the events which will take place at the Allianz Riviera and in Marseille”, hopes Eric Abihssira. The Marseille city will host the sailing events. “People who go to Marseille will undoubtedly spend a few days in Nice and its surroundings…”
Individuals will not be left out. Bertrand Burdet, deputy general manager of Airbnb France, assures us: “The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games promise to be an unprecedented event for cities hosting events as well as for their residents, who will be able to supplement their income by renting all or part of their property.”
A marathon runner’s calendar
The Games will not be the only ones to punctuate the summer marathon on the Coast. Three stages of the Tour de France will bring another global event there, from July 19 to 21. Without forgetting the Etape du Tour on July 7. For the Tourism Observatory, “all the indicators are there for the #CotedAzurFrance destination to approach the season in the best conditions, with an exceptional sporting calendar in July”.
Until then, the tourist season will gain momentum with a Carnival which promises to be busy. Eric Abihssira predicts “a very good vintage from Easter onwards”. He is also banking on the upcoming opening of two new five-star hotels in Nice.
Towards record attendance
According to Airbnb, visitors didn’t wait until 2024 to make a date. According to its press service, reservations have been increasing over the Games period since the start of 2023. “This increase is mainly driven by international travelers from the United States, South Korea and Denmark.”
However, this succession of sporting events occurs in the middle of the high season. Last summer, the Côte d’Azur returned to pre-Covid attendance: 7 million stays, 80% occupancy in hotels and 77% in tourist residences from May to September. This attractive program “guarantees maximum occupancy of accommodation around the dates concerned”, estimates the Tourism Observatory. Booking rates might “approach or reach 100%, even in the mountains where the hotel supply is reduced. The hotel industry, residences and rentals of all types and in all municipalities will benefit from this, through an overflow effect.” On your marks, play your Games.
Top prices too?
Hoteliers. The surge in accommodation prices in Ile-de-France, during the duration of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has caused a lot of discussion. All things considered, should we expect an outbreak in the Alpes-Maritimes? Eric Abihssira doesn’t believe it. The confederal vice-president of Umih cites an MKG Consulting study: “Rates increased by 17% in the cities which hosted the Rugby World Cup. We’re not in Las Vegas yet! In summer on the Coast, prices are already at seasonal peaks. Perhaps they will be a little higher, but it will remain within reason. Hoteliers are responsible people. » The safeguard: the web. “People know how to buy tickets at the best price. They are not fools. » Another dissuasive risk: the murderous comment if the service is not up to par.
The details. Will they be able to “binge”? Airbnb curbs the ardor of foodies. “We expect a significant increase in supply for this period, which should help limit price increases on Airbnb. » Drawing on the experience of London 2012, the Deloitte firm “anticipates an average increase of 85% in income for guests in Ile-de-France – where the majority of events take place”. We are far from the “times 4, times 5” announced. Even more so on the Côte d’Azur, which will see most of the Games from afar.
C.C.
