Airbnb Reports Surge in Travel Bookings Ahead of Summer Olympics

With the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games just weeks away, Airbnb has observed a significant surge in travel bookings across the globe, reflecting heightened interest in the event.

Travelers from over 160 countries and regions have already secured their stays with Airbnb for the sporting event. As of March 31, the number of nights booked during the Olympics has increased by over five times (400%) compared to the same period last year in the Paris region, according to Airbnb.

Paris: The Top Destination for Airbnb:

Paris remains the most searched city on the Airbnb platform, with a nearly 40% increase in active listings in the region, ensuring ample availability for guests. In terms of booking growth, Asian countries lead the way.

Airbnb has noted the highest increase in travelers from India, Mainland China, Hong Kong (SAR), and Japan. India alone saw an approximate 30% increase in bookings for stays in and around Paris during the Games.

Exploring Beyond Paris:

Indian travelers also explore other vibrant locations such as Nice, Aubervilliers, Colombes, and Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine.

Key Olympic venues like Colombes (field hockey) and Châteauroux (shooting events) and cities hosting football matches such as Saint-Etienne, Lyon, Nantes, Nice, and Bordeaux are experiencing significant interest.

This strategic distribution of Olympic events throughout France showcases lesser-known areas and historic cities, promoting a broader country experience for visitors during the Games.

Airbnb Trend Among Travelers:

“The surge in bookings for Paris reflects an exciting trend among Indian travelers, who are increasingly planning trips around iconic sporting events like the Olympics, showcasing their growing appetite for unique, global experiences.

Interestingly, while Paris remains a top destination, these travelers are also venturing beyond traditional tourist spots to explore cities like Saint-Denis and Bordeaux to catch their favorite sports,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

“At Airbnb, we’re excited to connect travelers with unique accommodations that will elevate their 2024 Olympic and summer travel experiences,” he added.

Economic Impact of Airbnb Stays:

Stays on Airbnb during the dates of the Summer Olympic Games in Paris 2024 are estimated to generate €2,000 (over $2,170 USD) for a typical host in the Paris region.

This will have a total economic impact of almost 1 billion euros (over 1 billion USD) and support almost 7,300 full-time equivalent jobs in the country.