Airbnb has reported a significant 30% increase in bookings from Indian guests for accommodations during the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024, highlighting a growing trend among travellers to plan around major global sporting events.
For those unfamiliar, Airbnb is an American company that runs an online marketplace offering short- and long-term homestays and experiences.
According to Airbnb, Indian travellers are not only focusing on Paris but also exploring locations across France such as Nice, Aubervilliers, Colombes, and Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine.
Bookings made between January 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, indicate strong interest in areas hosting key Olympic venues like Colombes for field hockey and Chateauroux for shooting events, as well as cities hosting football matches like Saint-Etienne, Lyon, Nantes, Nice, and Bordeaux.
The surge in bookings extends globally, with travellers from over 160 countries and regions securing accommodations through Airbnb during the Olympic period, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
As of March 31, 2024, Airbnb noted a remarkable increase in booked nights during the Olympic dates, surpassing figures from the previous year by over five times in the Paris region alone.
Paris continues to dominate as the most searched city on Airbnb, with a nearly 40% rise in active listings ensuring ample availability for guests during the Games.
In terms of booking growth, Asian countries lead the trend, with India registering a notable 30% rise in bookings for stays in and around Paris during the Olympic period.
Mainland China, Hong Kong (SAR), and Japan also contributed significantly to the surge in bookings, reflecting heightened interest in experiencing the Olympics firsthand.
Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb's General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, highlighted the evolving preferences of Indian travellers, stating, "The surge in bookings for Paris reflects an exciting trend among Indian travellers, who are increasingly planning trips around iconic sporting events like the Olympics, showcasing their growing appetite for unique, global experiences."
Bajaj further pointed out the expanding horizons of Indian travellers, noting, "While Paris remains a top destination, these travellers are also venturing beyond traditional tourist spots to explore cities like Saint-Denis and Bordeaux to catch their favorite sports."
London Olympics bronze medallist shooter Gagan Narang will serve as India's Chef-de-Mission for the Paris Olympics while ace shuttler PV Sindhu, India's only woman athlete to achieve consecutive Olympic medals, has been named the female flag bearer for the opening ceremony on July 26.
Alongside her, table tennis player Achanta Sharath Kamal will also carry the flag for the Indian contingent.
India will send over 100 athletes to the Paris Games, commencing on July 26, including its largest-ever shooting team with 21 qualifiers.
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