As the world turns its eyes to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, running from July 26 to August 11, millions of international visitors are expected to flock to the city. However, an increasing number of seasoned travellers are opting out, seeking to avoid the crowds and potential civil unrest, and exploring alternative destinations instead.
According to Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce, “Nearly nine out of ten travelers surveyed are avoiding Paris altogether in 2024 due to a combination of traveler safety concerns due to the possibility of protests and civil unrest, a desire to avoid the crowds expected at the summer Olympic Games host city, or simply a preference to travel elsewhere.”
Significant concerns loom for those braving the journey to France to witness the quadrennial international sports competition. Travellers anticipate massive traffic issues, dread the potential of bedbug infestations, and worry over the risks of petty crime, labour strikes, and terrorism.
“Civil unrest and terrorism have surpassed injury or illness as the biggest fear about international travel for the first time in years. It is understandably contributing to traveler preferences for safer destinations,” Richards added.
Criminal activities are expected to rise with the influx of tourists during the Olympics. Fraudulent schemes such as fake ticket sales, pickpocketing, and identity theft will likely be rampant. Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and associate director for security operations at Global Rescue, advises, “Blending in will be difficult for Olympic spectators from other countries, but they can tone down the typical tourist look and reduce the risk of scam artists targeting them for fraudulent schemes or petty crimes.”
Travellers attending the Olympics should also prepare for challenges due to labour strikes, bedbug infestations, and difficulties navigating to and from event venues, hotels, and restaurants. Protests, demonstrations, or worker walk-outs could disrupt transportation services and public safety. The famous Paris metro and bus systems are expected to strain significantly during peak times as fans flood in and out of stadiums.
Driving around Paris will be particularly challenging due to planned road closures, especially near well-known landmarks. While authorized taxis will be available, reports of fake taxis attempting to take advantage of tourists are rising.
In light of these challenges, here are some essential tips for those planning to attend the Paris 2024 Olympics:
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with local news and advisories regarding civil unrest, labour strikes, and transportation disruptions.
- Travel Light and Smart: Avoid standing out as a tourist. Dress inconspicuously and keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- Check Your Tickets: Purchase event tickets only from official sources to avoid fraudulent sales.
- Inspect Accommodations: Check hotel rooms for bedbugs, especially in high-turnover areas. Look for signs of infestations in bedding and surrounding areas.
- Use Reliable Transport: Opt for authorized taxis and public transportation whenever possible. Be wary of unofficial cabs and ride-sharing services.
- Plan Your Routes: Anticipate road closures and plan your routes to and from events to avoid delays and confusion.
For more information on travel safety and tips during the Paris 2024 Olympics, visit Global Rescue.
Despite the allure of the Olympics, the blend of excitement and anxiety is palpable among travellers. By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, visitors can navigate the potential pitfalls and enjoy the global spectacle that the Paris 2024 Olympics promises to be.
Written by: My Thanh Pham
