The Impact of the Olympic and Paralympic Games on Paris: A Comprehensive Look

The 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games are anticipated to have significant economic, environmental, and social impacts, drawing from the success of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. With a focus on sustainability and positive intangible benefits, the games aim to boost tourism and leave a lasting legacy on Paris as a global sports and cultural hub.

Editorsdesk Otto M. July 16, 2024 2 min read

Anticipating the Impact of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games

As the countdown to the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris continues, the potential impact of these monumental events is a topic of great interest. Drawing insights from the 2023 Rugby World Cup, we can anticipate significant economic, environmental, and social benefits for the city and its residents.

Economic Boost from International Visitors

The 2023 Rugby World Cup saw over 420,000 international visitors stay in France for an average of ten days. Impressively, 98% of those surveyed were satisfied with their stay in Paris, and 80% expressed intentions to return. This positive reception translated into substantial economic benefits, with the event generating €1.8 billion in spending. Of this amount, €585 million was dedicated to tourism, benefiting not only Paris but also cities and regions outside the host locations. In Paris alone, international visitors contributed €102 million in spending during the event.

Environmental Considerations and Sustainable Practices

An essential aspect of hosting large-scale events is managing their environmental footprint. The Rugby World Cup’s carbon emissions were notably three times lower than those of UEFA Euro 2016, thanks to the use of existing infrastructure. This approach will be replicated for the 2024 Games, with 95% of the venues being existing or temporary structures, significantly reducing the environmental impact.

Beyond the tangible economic and environmental impacts, the Olympic and Paralympic Games are expected to bring numerous intangible benefits, including positive effects on inclusion, employment, and health. These aspects, though initially challenging to quantify, are being carefully evaluated through a sophisticated assessment process. Early results, as discussed by Marie Barsacq, Director of Impact and Legacy for Paris 2024, indicate promising outcomes in these areas.

Key Figures and Future Prospects

98%: The percentage of international visitors satisfied with their stay in Paris during the Rugby World Cup.
€1.8 billion: Total spending generated by the Rugby World Cup, with €585 million dedicated to tourism.

The upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games are poised to leave a lasting legacy on Paris, reinforcing its status as a global hub for sports, culture, and tourism. The successful strategies employed during the Rugby World Cup offer a blueprint for maximizing the benefits of these events while minimizing their environmental impact.

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