Paris
Paris loves events
CORINNE MENEGAUX , MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR THE NOT-FOR PROFIT PARIS TOURIST OFFICE , PARIS JE T ’ AIME , SHARES SOME INSIGHTS EXCLUSIVELY WITH CMW ON HOW THE CITY IS FOCUSING ON ENHANCING ITS CULTURAL , ECONOMIC , AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS DURING THE PARIS OLYMPICS 2024
W hile some may fear that visiting Paris during the Olympics could feel like navigating an overcrowded city with halted events , Corinne Menegaux , director of the capital ’ s tourist office Paris je t ’ aime , reassures us this will not be the case . Despite the magnitude of the Olympics , Paris is set to host the Games without significantly disrupting scheduled events which include its famous fashion shows . She says that while some events have slightly adjusted their dates to align with the Olympic schedule , major events will proceed as planned .
Menegaux expects hotel prices and availability to remain stable and highlights that the influx of tourists for the Olympics is likely largely to consist of local French attendees and the usual number of international tourists , suggesting that the overall impact on the city would not change much .
Paris is , however , focusing heavily on enhancing the visitor experience as the city anticipates welcoming 11m people , so the impact should mirror a typical summer season . Supporting the festive atmosphere of the Games , which will feature dancing , music , and celebrations across the city , will be vital to meeting the goals Paris aims to achieve during the Olympics , says Menegaux , who does acknowledge the big challenge of security . She says there are detailed plans in place to ensure the safety of all attendees and that coordination between relevant organisations and government bodies is key to managing the logistical
Left : Corinne Menegaux challenges posed by such a large event . “ Security is a key challenge , but protocols and every effort has been made to ensure the best security ever .”
New app available Je t ’ aime Paris has launched a geolocalised app focused on accessibility . It shows nearby attractions and allows direct ticket bookings and itinerary planning . It also reveals lesser-known parts of Paris , encouraging users to explore hidden gems and includes a special version for users with disabilities and allows for customised filtering .
The environmental impact of the Olympic Games in Paris is expected to be minimal and positive , as the city has focused on using existing infrastructure and supporting local businesses . Such an approach avoids unnecessary new constructions and means that improvements made for the Olympics will benefit the tourism sector and the local community long after the Games . Menegaux notes : “ We really used infrastructure that we already have , and we are building temporary sites inside the city . We didn ’ t create any new Metro lines specifically for the Games , but we accelerated the work that we had to do on some lines , like Metro line 14 , so it was just an acceleration really .” Menegaux concludes that new venues like the Arena la Chapelle are part of the Olympic legacy , providing new opportunities for the event industry in Paris . These developments aim not just to host the best Games ever , but to enhance Paris ’ s credentials as a sustainable and vibrant destination .
The city hopes to attract visitors not only for its beauty and hospitality but also for its commitment to supporting local economies and promoting local craftsmanship . Menegaux and her team see these efforts as highlighting Paris ’ s wider goals of sustainability and economic energy , contributing to its reputation as an attractive place for both tourists and event organisers . n
ISSUE 131 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 49