Could travel still win gold in Paris?

20.06.2024 - 21:47 / breakingtravelnews.com / Paris Olympics

Over the last few months the 2024 Paris Olympics has been presenting a golden opportunity for the travel industry, with short-term rental platforms already experiencing a surge in bookings.
But what are the last minute opportunities left now for the travel industry to make the most of the Olympics? What kinds of challenges and even risks exist for those involved in selling Olympic related products? And with only a few left till it starts, could the opportunities really be over before the games have even started?

We spoke to leaders across the travel technology space to find out how they see this special event.
“Big events have always been a huge driver of travel, from sporting events to major concerts, and the Olympics is no exception,” said Douglas Quinby, CEO and Co-Founder of Arival, the go-to research resource and event organiser for tours, activities and attractions operators.  “Operators and sellers of tours, attractions and experiences in Paris and its environs have an incredible opportunity this summer, especially as more and more travelers seek out once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Experiences operators need to offer something very different and original if they’re going to take a slice of the action – offering people the opportunity to experience the Olympics in unique and personal ways.  They must also prepare for a very different Paris – the city will also be transformed over those three weeks in July and August, and operators must research ahead and be prepared to adapt their own scheduling and operations.”
The Olympics also highlights the significance of bundling. “The key to standing out in a crowded marketplace during the Olympics is offering a holistic experience,” says Fatih Muku, Co-Founder of Bedsopia, a B2B accommodation booking platform.  “Travelers, especially those coming from afar, often seek convenience and particularly certainty, they don’t want to leave anything to chance.  By offering attractive flight and hotel bundles, travel companies can cater to this need and differentiate themselves.  It’s therefore particularly important to focus on gaining access to a wide range of accommodation content in locations near where the Olympics will take place, ensuring travelers can find the perfect fit for a broad range of budgets and preferences. There are still bookings going ahead and we’d expect to see some right till the last minute.”
Servantrip, a leading B2B hub for tours, transfers & activities used by travel agents and tour operators, highlights that one particular area is causing travel agents and tour operators a headache right now for the games: transfers. CEO Manuel Núñez comments “Demand clearly is through the roof, in part because there’s many luxury visitors for the