From 2006 to 2010, the European Tourism Association issued reports about the impact of the Olympic Games on host destinations. The studies showed that, contrary to what many people might assume, the Games had a negative effect on inbound tourism numbers during the period of the Olympics, resulting in an annual drop in international arrivals for the entire country. Travel Weekly editor in chief Arnie Weissmann spoke with CEO Tom Jenkins to see if the organization’s past pessimistic take on the Olympics would also apply to the upcoming Summer Games in Paris.
Tom Jenkins
Q: Paris seems to be very well organized to host the Games, which has not always been the case with past host cities. Do you think that may result in a more positive impact for tourism than previous Games?
A: The general rule with any Olympics will apply to Paris. The Olympics are not a tourism event. The Games have nothing to do with tourism. What will make them successful for the organizers is the enthusiasm and attendance of the local population, and I’m sure by that measure it will be a success.
That said, foreigners will be coming in considerable numbers: 25% of the tickets have been sold to non-nationals. But those numbers don’t replace the normal volume that comes to Paris at that time.
Q: So you believe that local businesses that rely on a normal summer tourism season will be negatively impacted?
A: The Olympics attract people who are interested in sports. Their motivation is very narrowly focused. In London, during the 2012 Summer Olympics, there was a 50% decline at tourist attractions. Theaters, shops, the British Museum all saw a big shortfall in traffic. Visitors during the Olympics don’t come for cultural reasons. It’ll be a great time to visit the Louvre.
And Paris will be changed from the Paris that people expect when they go there. Hotel prices are higher than normal. There will be restrictions on traffic and movement.
Q: In the past, you’ve noted that the negative impact goes beyond just the host city and can affect the entire country. Why is that?
A: Tour operators have done everything they can to ensure that traffic in regional France continues, but some have had to drop France from their programs during the Olympics because even with a regional French tour, guests expect that Paris will be included.
Q: In the past, the downturn for tourism has extended beyond just the period that the Games are being held. Do you think that will be true for Paris?
A: The good news is that Paris is a global destination — the global destination. I’m sure demand for Paris will recover very rapidly. There won’t be a lasting hangover from this, but neither will we see a measurable boom.
Q: Do you think the organizers in Paris are aware of all of this?
A: Paris looked at what happened in London and realized it can be extremely problematic. They believe that international visitors will come to Paris and enjoy the Games experience. It’s a brave and interesting assumption that carries a lot of commercial hope. We’ll see if it turns out to be true.
