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In preparation for the anticipated influx of 15 million visitors during the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics, France has opted not to impose caps on hotel prices but has announced an enhanced inspection regime to ensure visitors receive value for their money, according to Tourism Minister Olivia Gregoire.
Gregoire clarified during an interview with Sud Radio on Wednesday that the government had no plans to restrict hotel rates, drawing parallels with previous Olympic host cities like London, Rio, and Beijing, where price caps were not implemented.
To guarantee a fair and satisfactory experience for visitors, the French government will deploy 900 inspectors, constituting approximately one-third of the anti-fraud agency's workforce. Their responsibilities will encompass scrutinizing prices, monitoring sanitary conditions, and ensuring the smooth operation of the Olympic Games.
Emphasizing the significance of accountability, Gregoire affirmed that all 1,600 hotels in Paris would undergo inspections before the Games, with 600 already reviewed. Nationally, a total of 10,000 hotels and restaurants will be subject to inspection to uphold standards.
In a call for responsibility, Gregoire urged establishments to prioritize delivering value, cautioning that hotels and restaurants failing to meet expectations could face severe sanctions.
As France braces for a substantial surge in tourism during the Olympic and Paralympic events scheduled from July 26 to August 11, this approach seeks to balance the economic interests of hospitality providers with the imperative of ensuring a positive and fairly priced experience for both French and international visitors.
