With the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games just weeks away, Airbnb has observed a significant surge in travel bookings across the world, indicating heightened global interest in the event. Travellers from 160+ countries and regions have already booked their stays with Airbnb during the sporting event. As of March 31st, nights booked during the dates of the Olympics are over five times (400 percent) higher than they were in the Paris region the same time a year ago.
Paris remains the top-searched city on the platform, with a nearly 40 percent increase in active listings in the region, ensuring ample availability for guests. In terms of growth in bookings, Asian countries are in the leaderboard: Airbnb has witnessed the highest increase in travellers coming from India, Mainland China, Hong Kong (SAR) and Japan. India alone witnessed an approximately 30 percent increase in booking of stays in and around Paris during the Games.
“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. Interestingly, 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 favourite sports. At Airbnb, we’re excited to connect the travellers with unique accommodations that will elevate their 2024 Olympic and summer travel experiences,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.