As a seasoned movie buff and someone who has followed Paris’s preparations for the Olympics for years, I must admit that this summer’s Games have been a major letdown so far. Having lived through the excitement of previous Olympics in other cities, I had high hopes for Paris. The city was supposed to be bustling with tourists and energy, but instead, I see struggling businesses and empty streets.
Landing the Summer Olympics was supposed to be a shot in the arm for France’s economy.
In the Tuileries Gardens not long ago, on a July day, instead of readying to greet hordes of tourists, a café proprietor lamented his misfortune. He was situated halfway between the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées, an ideal location in the city. However, as he gazed out at vacant tables, the anticipated crowds were nowhere to be found. Sports enthusiasts who had arrived in Paris were met with pedestrian restrictions and security measures, effectively isolating his business.
It wasn’t meant to be this way. The most recent Olympic Games, in Tokyo and Beijing, took place during the pandemic, curtailing the influx of foreign visitors that adds excitement to the sporting events and profits local businesses. Now that the specter of COVID has lifted, Paris should herald a grand return — reestablishing the Olympics as the preeminent athletic showcase against the backdrop of the world’s most romantic city. This hopeful vision raised spirits in the spring of 2020, spurring French officials and urban planners to enact lockdown-exempt infrastructure projects designed to showcase the city. In the lead-up to the Games, hospitality businesses were encouraged to bulk up their staffing for an anticipated summer rush. But with just days to go before the Olympic cauldron is lit, the tourists don’t seem to be materializing. (Although, given the persistent rumors that Celine Dion will perform at the opening ceremony alongside Lady Gaga, many of those who opted to stay home may have come down with a case of FOMO.)
“Jess Jeacle, a tour operator from Melbourne, shares with EbMaster that everyone is finding it tough. The surprise is that we’ve received significantly fewer tourists than anticipated, approximately 50% less than the previous year.”
Due to a low turnout of international tourists, French residents will make up the majority of the crowds at summer events. Currently, domestic visitors comprise approximately 85% of the projected 11.3 million attendees, and they have purchased over 60% of all tickets. Contrary to expectations, locals’ social media platforms are filled with complaints about ongoing construction projects and pessimistic remarks regarding the Games instead of expressions of pride.
Several months ago, Mayor Anne Hidalgo of Paris attempted to generate excitement by announcing her intention to swim in the Seine as a culmination of the city’s $1.5 billion cleanup project. However, this promise elicited resistance from skeptical locals who launched the social media movement #JeChieDansLaSeine, urging Parisians to pollute the river on the day of Hidalgo’s swim. Meanwhile, Netflix subscribers around the world were entertained by Xavier Gens’ horror satire “Under Paris,” which depicted a triathlete competing in a race through a Seine filled with sharks and debris.
Prior to Mayor Hidalgo’s planned swimming demonstration, President Macron unexpectedly disbanded the National Assembly, sparking a political turmoil that lasted for a month and led to early parliamentary elections on June 23. This date coincided with Hidalgo’s intended swim, causing it to be postponed. Following two rounds of voting, concerns over a far-right dominance subsided, although the new parliament exhibited instability. At last, on July 17, the determined mayor, aged 65, put on her goggles and wetsuit for the long-awaited swim.
I was thrilled when the stunt went off without a hitch during the filming, but my excitement didn’t last long. The next day, I was dismayed to hear that the labor union CGT had announced plans for a 3,000-strong strike, scheduled to take place on July 26 – the same day as the Olympic opening ceremony. This unexpected development cast a dark shadow over the upcoming event.
Over the past few weeks, Paris 2024 chairman Tony Estanguet acknowledges that the preparations have been particularly demanding. “We were well aware of the significant undertaking we faced,” he explains. “Therefore, maintaining a sense of consistency during our planning was crucial. We had concerns about how the election might disrupt us, but we’re thankful that our political figures permitted us to progress relatively undisturbed.”
I was once a golden champion in slalom canoeing, having won numerous medals. Now, I find myself presiding over the organizing committee for these prestigious Games. Deep down, I yearned for peace and understanding among all parties involved because, to me, the significance of the Games goes beyond just a competition.
He believes that the Olympic Games symbolize unity. Athletes may not hold political power, but the world of sports presents a universal image. It’s essential for union leaders and organizers to uphold this ideal, making these moments as powerful and emotional as possible.
Paris hosting the Olympic and Paralympic games in its center brings about some drawbacks. For instance, shipping companies that rely on the Seine for transportation will face blocked access points. Areas surrounding competition venues will be off-limits to those without a QR code. The municipal port of Paris at Terminal is projected to experience a 12% decrease in earnings. Furthermore, businesses situated in affected regions are dealing with heightened uncertainty as customers avoid the neighborhoods due to new regulations and restrictions.
“Businesswise, things aren’t looking great according to Juan-Manuel Suárez, CEO of Paris Terminal. He may find it challenging when presenting his annual report to the board. However, he’s currently thrilled about the upcoming Games and takes personal pride in the situation.”
These aren’t the only issues. Locals and attendees can purchase an access-granting Pass Jeux (“game pass”), but those have given rise to phishing scams. Parisians have reportedly received emails promising better accessibility if they click on seemingly innocuous links. And though events can be attended with just a ticket, and nearby restaurants and hotels with proof of reservation, local authorities have had trouble communicating that information in clear terms. That, in turn, has helped depress tourism.
Chloé Colin shares that her frequent customers have openly communicated their disappointment, expressing that they won’t visit Paris this summer due to the frustrations caused by travel and mobility restrictions. (Managing the wine-bar extension of Bistrot Paul Bert, a renowned dining spot for food connoisseurs from around the world.)
“Colin points out that we can’t create our own customer base as it depends on tourist presence. However, with current low tourist numbers, we’re unfortunately not alone in facing this issue.”
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2024-07-26 00:17