On this level too, Paris 2024 did better than London 2012

The enthusiasm for Paris 2024 did not die with the end of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. While the capital still carries the echoes of this global event, the first results for French hospitality reveal a year of record performances, even surpassing those of London 2012. “Paris 2024 did better than London 2012, with higher attendance, a notable increase in the accommodation occupancy rate and a clear increase in turnover.», declares Vanguélis Panayotis, president of MKG Consulting, a firm dedicated to the hospitality sector for almost 40 years. Le Figaroin preview, reveals these figures revealed this Wednesday, October 9 during the EquipHotel press conference, a leading international trade show for professionals in the sector.

Paris 2024: an impact that exceeds expectations

Even if hotel occupancy fell in France this summer, between May and August according to a note published by INSEE (1), MKG Consulting draws up a clear assessment: Paris shone during the Olympic period. Between July 23 and August 11, 2024, accommodation prices jumped by 120%, reaching an average rate of 419 euros per night in the capital, an impressive increase of almost 119% compared to the same summer period in 2023. ​. With an occupancy rate of 84%, hotels and tourist residences largely benefited from the influx of Olympic spectators, marking an increase of almost 10 points compared to the previous summer. As for the turnover achieved by the hotel industry and tourist residences, it was multiplied by 2.5 compared to summer 2023.

However, as Vanguélis Panayotis points out, “not all territories have benefited in the same way“. If certain Ile-de-France departments such as Yvelines and Seine-Saint-Denis recorded increases of 35% in the host cities during the Paralympic Games, other areas, including Paris intramural, suffered a slight drop of 4. 7% after the euphoria of the challenges.

EquipHotel 2024: a crossroads of innovation and trends

“Let’s dare!” » This is the big theme of EquipHotel 2024 which will be held at the beginning of November at Porte de Versailles. Béatrice Gravier, director of the show, had a desire: “ That of setting out on collective audacityshe explains. The idea was to echo the Olympic Games! For this 2024 edition, EquipHotel aims to be more than ever the observatory of hospitality trends and the essential meeting place to take the pulse of a rapidly changing sector; it is a formidable toolbox. »

For five days, this major hub will welcome nearly 1,200 exhibitors and some 113,000 professionals, who will come to explore the four major worlds of the show – Foodservice, Design, Wellness, Tech & Services. So many areas which reflect the multiple challenges of an industry in full renewal. Catherine Quérard, president of the Groupement des Hôtelleries et Restaurations, sums up the situation well: “Hoteliers and restaurateurs must meet the growing expectations of tourists, while constantly investing in training, digitalization, and the quality of our infrastructure. It is very important to show our know-how, our attractiveness.» Words that echo the aspirations of a sector resolutely focused on innovation and performance.

An ambitious 2024 program

EquipHotel 2024 will not only take stock of the post-Olympic Games: it will be the scene of new ideas, notably with the Open Stage sponsored by Thierry Marx, a space dedicated to “eating well”. For five days, culinary competitions and debates around sustainable food will punctuate this scene, with interventions from emblematic figures and in partnership with the Bleu-Blanc-Cœur association.

On Monday, November 4, the Grande Scène will welcome Marina Ferrari, during the inaugural morning. The new Minister for the Tourism Economy will be present alongside Thierry Marx and Catherine Quérard, to discuss the perspectives and means of strengthening the competitiveness of French hospitality in the face of tomorrow’s challenges. “The world is changing and so is the younger generation. There are many problems in the professional world, particularly in the hotel and catering industry, particularly in recruitment since the sector can be very difficult on a daily basis.», recalls the chef, also confederal president of the Union of Hotel Trades and Industries.

The “Inclusion & Accessibility” village will offer concrete solutions for more inclusive hospitality, aimed in particular at deaf and hard of hearing people. Hospitality is not only reinventing itself based on technology, but also on its ability to welcome each individual in a dignified and appropriate manner. “We do not forget that our core business is hospitality.», insists Catherine Quérard.

Technology, sustainability and creation: towards a new era of hospitality?

Technology, sustainability and co-creation will be at the heart of discussions this edition. Tourism is being decarbonized. An “Innovation Lab” will welcome the visions of ENSCI students, proposing innovative solutions that could transform the customer experience, while respecting new environmental requirements.

Finally, the “Hospitality Brain-Trusts”, hosted by MKG Consulting, will address major themes such as the impact of artificial intelligence in hotel management and the transition to a more experiential catering model, thus exploring the outlines of tomorrow’s hospitality. For Béatrice Gravier, the motto is clear: “EquipHotel is more than ever a place to dare, transform yourself, and find the necessary inspiration.»​ A unique opportunity for professionals to rethink their profession, under the sign of innovation, audacity, and adaptability.

EquipHotel 2024 from November 3 to 7, Paris Expo – Porte de Versailles.

(1) The INSEE figures – 2.2 million fewer overnight stays compared to 2023 – are for the period May to August inclusive, therefore including June and early July which were very slow periods in terms of overnight stays for Paris and Île-de-France.