Best Hotels In Paris: Understanding How They Are Supporting The City’s Tourism Today

This time, I was on a 2-day Paris travel and was working on how the best hotels in Paris have been supporting the thriving tourism scene in the city. I did my case study on the hotels near Opera Paris France, to get the entire picture. 

I also had the opportunity to meet the leaders of Citadines Apart’hotel Opéra Paris, which The Ascott Limited operates. They shared their insights and observations with me.

Paris had a footfall of 11.2 million during the Summer Olympics of 2024. The success story with great numbers continued as Paris consolidated the Olympics’ success for the rest of the year. 

This boost in the number of tourists has further facilitated growth in the hospitality sector. The French hospitality sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.34% from 2023 to 2028

However, these two booming industries are also bearing the wrath of overtourism in the city

So, there could not be a better time to delve deeper into how the best hotels in Paris have been supporting tourism so far. Also, we need to talk about how they respond to minimize the impact of overtourism with sustainable practices. 

Best Hotels In Paris: Working And Growing With The Tourism Industry Of The City

Best Hotels In Paris_ Working And Growing With The Tourism Industry Of The City

The best hotels in Paris are beyond tourist accommodations. With luxury in mind and an upscale shift, these hotels are influencing the spending patterns of tourists. 

France was the most-visited country in the world in 2024, with an unbelievable footfall of around 100 million

Now, a large number of these tourists look for accommodations in luxury hotels. With their hotel expenses and overall luxury spending increasing, the city gains revenue. 

This approach aligns with what Nathalie Delattre, the French Minister of Tourism, stated in response to the anticipated tourism boom in France for 2024. 

We need to work to increase the average each visitor spends and get our visitors to stay longer.

The impact of hotels in Paris on tourist spending patterns extends beyond the standalone tourism and hospitality industry. It’s about the overall GDP and economy of the city

But the “luxury experience” here is not to scare you if you are a tourist. It does not mean that you cannot visit Paris within a budget.

It’s true that Paris, as a travel destination, is somewhat expensive, and accommodations are pricier than those in similar setups in other countries. However, the city offers a diverse range of hotel tariffs.

A Shared Market Space Creating Discord Between The Hotel And Tourism Sectors?

A Shared Market Space Creating Discord Between The Hotel And Tourism Sectors

A shared market space! 

This has been one of the biggest challenges for the top hotels in Paris, as they collaborate with the tourism industry to boost the city’s economy. 

Now, services like AirBnb are offering more flexibility in booking and better pricing options. So, of course, there is the “price sensitivity” factor.

Additionally, Airbnb is eager to seize opportunities, as it did during the Summer Olympics in Paris last time.  

Airbnb was the official sponsor of the Paris Olympics, and it played a significant role in the 44% surge in short-term rental bookings in 2024 from the summer of 2023. 

Also, Airbnb was direct when it approached the visitors of the Paris Olympics to avoid the “touristy side of Paris” and book short-term rentals on the “Paris-y side of Paris.”

Moreover, Airbnb, through the “Airbnb500 Travel Grant,” offered discounts to tourists visiting Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics

Now, with discounted pricing and Parisians willing to give up their accommodation on rent through Airbnb, many hotels in Paris have suffered. 

The rate discounting that’s happened, the occupancy levels, they’re definitely being suppressed and compressed by the short-term rental market, without question.”
Blake Reiter, Director of Research, Lighthouse

Having said that, the best hotels in Paris have been able to keep their presence strong as they cater to the group of tourists seeking a high-end experience. 

Additionally, city officials have introduced restrictions on short-term rentals to prevent Airbnb and similar businesses from causing significant harm to the hospitality industry. 

Moreover, in November 2024, France approved an “Anti-Airbnb Bill” to control the increase in vacation rentals. 

So, the threats of a shared market space have become less for the best hotels in Paris and other parts of France. 

Overtourism In Paris: How The Best Hotels In Paris Respond To It?

Overtourism In Paris_ How The Best Hotels In Paris Respond To It

The best hotels in Paris had a slow start in summer 2024. However, with the Summer Olympics inching closer, occupancy rates in these hotels increased despite challenges from Airbnb and other short-term rental services. 

During the summer Olympics, the hotel occupancy rate in this area reached 84%. Of course, there was revenue growth with a higher occupancy rate, discounts, and non-refundable rooms for tourists. 

Still, the housing industry could not avoid an accommodation crunch, hygiene issues, safety threats, and other impacts of overtourism. 

A sustainable collaboration between the best hotels in Paris and tourists is crucial. It will minimize the environmental impact and enhance the overall quality of life in the city.  

For example, The Ascott Limited’s sustainability program has helped me understand how the best hotels in Paris are doing it right. They are trying to minimize the impact of overtourism on the city’s environment and natural resources.

Showing Commitment To Sustainability

The Ascott Limited is sincere about taking care of the environment. Also, it has earned the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Committed status. 

Moreover, Ascott Limited aims to achieve GSTC-Accredited Body certification for its global portfolio by 2028. 

The sustainability program, known as “Ascott CARES,” is based on five fundamental pillars, and those are:

  • Respect
  • Alliance
  • Community
  • Environment 
  • Supply Chain

Also, Ms. Beh Siew Kim from Ascott has mentioned that sustainability has always been a key priority for the business.

“The Ascott Limited aiming to have all their properties certified by GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies by 2028 where applicable* is a testament to how serious they are committed as an organization to environmental and social responsibility. 
We applaud Ascott’s leadership and vision in prioritizing sustainability, and I am confident that their efforts will set a benchmark for others in the sector to follow.
Randy Durband, CEO, The Global Sustainable Tourism Council

With Ascott Limited as an example, the best hotels in Paris are also redefining the tourism landscape. They are also trying to fight overtourism by building a sustainable future. 

Share on Social Media

Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE Holiday In Cumbria, UK

Here’s Why You Should Holiday In Cumbria, UK!

BY  Barsha Aug 18, 2023

Cumbria is a stunning region in the northwest of England, renowned for its unspoiled wilderness and picturesque Lake District. With wild moorlands, immense mountain ranges and beautiful lakes, Cumbria provides a wealth of experiences that make it one of the most desirable places to visit in the UK. Whether you are looking for an action-packed holiday or just want to relax in some stunning countryside scenery, Cumbria has something for everyone. From ancient villages steeped in history to modern cities brimming with culture, there's plenty to explore here. There are numerous activities available such as hiking and biking through breathtaking landscapes or taking part in water sports at Lake Windermere. History Of Cumbria The Lake District National Park, covering most of Cumbria, offers visitors some truly breathtaking views due to its mountainous terrain interspersed with picturesque lakes – making it one of England's most popular tourist destinations since Victorian times! Originally a rural area largely untouched by industry or modernisation, it has evolved significantly over time yet managed to retain much of its original charm thanks to efforts made by conservationists and locals alike – meaning that those looking for peaceful walks through stunning landscapes will not be disappointed when visiting this unique corner of Northern England! Places To Visit Cumbria is home to many stunning and historic villages that are well worth visiting. The village of Windemere, which was first established in the 12th century, is one such example; here you can stroll through its cobbled streets while admiring the quaint cottages and Georgian buildings or take a boat ride across the lake for some stunning views. Other popular places include Grasmere with its picture-perfect waterfalls and Keswick with its wonderful mountain scenery – both excellent spots for outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling. Last but not least Cumbria offers visitors sites that showcase incredible natural beauty too! From tranquil lakeside scenes in Ullswater or Coniston Water to towering peaks at Scafell Pike (England’s highest peak) – there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring sights waiting around every corner here! For those wanting a more relaxed experience then why not try one of Cumbria's many nature reserves? These special areas contain some rare species including red squirrels, otters, and ospreys – perfect if you want to get close up with wildlife without disturbing it too much! Things To Do Hiking and adventuring in the Lake District is an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. With its rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and rugged mountain ranges, Cumbria is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. The region offers a wide range of trails for both experienced hikers and those looking for a stroll around the landscape. There are scenic routes through forests and riverside paths leading up to breathtaking summits – perfect for taking in panoramic views over the National Park! For those looking for something more challenging, there are also plenty of difficult climbs available which require technical skills such as scrambling or rock climbing. Exploring local markets and cultural centers is another great way to immerse yourself in Cumbrian life during your stay here. From vibrant street markets like Keswick's Saturday Market where you can pick up unique souvenirs or try delicious local dishes made with fresh produce from nearby farms; to historic towns like Ambleside with their abundance of indie shops selling locally crafted goods - these places offer visitors an insight into everyday life in this beautiful corner of England that cannot be found anywhere else! Finally, no visit to Cumbria would be complete without taking time out just to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery on offer here! Whether it’s spending time peacefully fishing on one of its many lakes or simply sitting back admiring views from one of its many viewpoints – there’s something incredibly calming about being surrounded by natural beauty while breathing clean air far away from any hustle & bustle. So make sure you take some time out during your trip here so you can truly appreciate what makes this part of England so special! Accommodation Accommodation in Cumbria is as varied as the landscape itself, and there are plenty of options to choose from depending on what type of experience you’re looking for. Campsites and caravan parks in Cumbria offer a great way to immerse yourself in nature while still having access to modern amenities such as showers, toilets, and laundry facilities. Cumbria also offers other accommodations, including a wide range of hotels to suit your budget, holiday cottages to let, and traditional camping sites for tents and touring caravans. If you do choose to camp, take note of our camping tips. Conclusion In conclusion, Cumbria is a wonderful location to visit for a truly enjoyable vacation. With its stunning views and abundance of outdoor activities, it's perfect for individuals, couples, or families looking to experience the beauty of nature firsthand. The region also has an incredibly rich culture and history that can be explored through its folk songs, quaint villages, and historic sites. Whether you're after adventure or relaxation this part of England really does have something for everyone – so don't miss out on the chance to explore all that Cumbria has to offer! Planning a journey overseas? Take a look at more of the best places to travel in August. Read Also: Top 4 Ways Of Preparing An Enjoyable Retreat Celebrate Your Happiness With Family Friendly Gites South Of France Looking For Your Next Fun-Filled Family Vacation: Head To Aquaventuras Park

READ MORE Traveling Across Europe

10 Tips for Traveling Across Europe

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 20, 2021

Europe is a jewel of a continent. From the west to the east, no country is the same as the last, with each nation having its own unique customs, architecture, and must-see attractions. Traveling across Europe is fairly easy thanks to the fact the vast majority of it is landlocked, meaning it’s common for people to travel across the continent on an extended break rather than simply visiting one country and then coming back to visit another the following year. Whilst traveling from country to the country might seem effortless, there are a number of things you need to be aware of. When traveling to somewhere in Europe such as Ireland, make sure to book a reputable airport transfer company in advance. If you’re thinking of traveling across Europe, make sure you keep these 10 tips in mind before your trip commences. 1. Currency Changes: Time zone changes are a given, but currency changes aren’t. You’d be forgiven for thinking that most European countries use the Euro, but they don’t. Not every country on the continent of Europe is in the EU (such as the UK, Norway, and Turkey). Regardless of whether a country is the European Union, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to use the Euro. Such countries include: Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Hungary Poland Romania Sweden It’s always worth keeping Euro with you as some countries that don’t normally use the Euro will accept it as a form of payment, but you should be mindful of the currency of the countries you’re going to be visiting and make a note of the exchange rates. For instance, if you are visiting Romania for business purposes or are willing to start a business in Romania, you should be aware of the currency factors. Also, it's better to understand what form of registration is more applicable in that geographic area. As far as Romania businessmen are concerned, they always go for the PFA registration process instead of SA or SRL. Why? PFA is simple and low-cost! 2. Opening Hours (Siestas) Depending on where you’re from and where you’re going, you’ll likely encounter different opening hours to what you’re used to. This mainly applies to hot countries like Spain where it’s traditional for the locals to take a siesta during the hottest part of the day. This results in many businesses closing at noon for two hours. In tourist hotspots and resort areas, this might not be the case as businesses attempt to maximize profits, but in hidden gem areas that are off the beaten track, it’s more likely that this long-term tradition will be adhered to. So, you need to make sure you’re aware of closing times and societal opening hours before you’re caught short and in need of urgent supplies but can’t get any. 3. Temperature Changes: Europe is a very varied continent that spans over 1,339 miles from the east to the west and 2,076 miles from north to south. Whilst it’s one of the smallest continents on Earth, it encompasses sub-arctic and desert landscapes all in one. If you’re planning on traveling from the west to the east, or the north to the south, you’re likely to experience all of these temperatures during your trip, so you need to pack accordingly. Whilst you might be okay wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals in Rome, you will most definitely want sturdy boots, wooly mittens, and a big parka coat by the time you get to Russia. The last thing you want is to freeze (or melt) and have to spend a fortune on a new wardrobe for every country you visit. 4. Pack Light: We’ve just said to pack for every eventuality, but in the same breath, pack light. Europe is full of narrow streets, winding roads, and dainty amenities, and that can make lugging two 20kg suitcases extremely difficult. You’re more than likely going to be taking several types of transport and constantly be moving from place to place, so the last thing you want is to pack up your entire life every other week and drag it along some impractically small cobbled streets. Instead, take two of everything, with enough fresh underwear to last a week. That means two jumpers, two pairs of jeans, two skirts/shorts, two dresses, etc. There will be plenty of launderettes around to wash your clothes for you, and whilst going to the launderette every week might not sound too pleasant, neither does dragging your whole wardrobe down the winding, single file, cobbled streets of Greece. 5. Travel By Ground: Europe is – mostly – a landlocked mass (with the exception of some islands and parts of Scandinavia). Europeans also rely heavily on trains to get to and from places, and this means the countries are typically well connected by railway lines. If you’re planning to travel across Europe, do so by train as much as you can. It’s cheap, it’s fast and it gives you the chance to take in much more of the natural beauty the continent is home to. If you’re going to be traveling to islands like the UK and those in the Mediterranean, ferries are an option that is still often cheaper than flying. When it comes to getting to hard-to-reach locations, taxis are your friend. Whether you opt for Uber or an independent company like Place2Place, taxis are rife in Europe and easy enough to hail down. Once you get to your destination, you may wish to rent a car with the help of a site like StressFreeCarRental to give you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace and go exactly where it is you would like to. 6. Comfortable Shoes: As mentioned, Europe is home to many narrow streets, cobbled roads, and elevated inclinations. There’s a LOT of walking to be done, so make sure you pack a comfy pair of trainers or flats because this is one continent where – no matter where you are – you won’t be able to appreciate it in a pair of heels. 7. Reservations: Most of Europe is flooded by tourists at any given time of the year which results in almost every restaurant being rammed almost all of the time. If you’re a spontaneous diner, you’ll need to change your ways – and fast. Europeans work on a basis of reservations. You might even need to reserve a seat in a bar because it gets so busy! Make sure to call up a day in advance to book your place, otherwise, you’ll find yourself eating a McDonald’s instead of a traditional local delicacy, and that would be a complete waste of a trip. 8. Tap Water: Depending on where you go, tap water in Europe varies, so it’s best to stay away from it. Bottled water is incredibly destructive to the environment, but tap water in Europe could be incredibly destructive to your digestive system, so it’s all about weighing up the risks. By this, we mean the number of minerals in the water can change drastically which could cause nausea or diarrhea. It’s important to remember the tap water in Europe is perfectly safe to drink and is strictly monitored, but it can vary from place to place which means your stomach could get a little upset by it. This is something to keep in mind. 9. Food Tourist Traps: Earlier we mentioned making reservations, but it’s also important to note to avoid food tourist traps. Major attractions will be dotted with eateries and coffee shops, and whilst they’re practical, they’re also double the price and half the quality of other local places. Venture just a bit further out and you’ll find some beautiful places full of local delicacies that are much better prepared and much more reasonably priced. 10. Flight Compensation (EC 261): In the event you do travel by air across Europe, the good news is, you’re covered by EC 261 which is a flight compensation scheme. If your flight is delayed by three hours or more, is canceled or if you’re denied boarding, you’re entitled to compensation and the airline must provide accommodation where necessary. This applies to all flights taking off or landing in European countries, regardless of if the airline does not belong to an EU member state. This is a nice little bit of protection should things take a turn for the worst. If you are looking for great day tour options, then booking someone like Collins Day Tours is a great idea. These are just 10 tips for traveling across Europe, but the biggest tip of all is to HAVE FUN! Read Also: Top 5 Romantic European City Breaks 5 European Destinations Negatively Impacted By ‘Over-Tourism Top 3 Party Destinations For Safety-Conscious Tourists

READ MORE Make Your Trip To Europe Fantastic

Top 5 Tips To Make Your Trip To Europe Fantastic

BY  Ankita Mar 14, 2024

Being proactive for your trip can help you save from troubles and cherish your time there to the fullest. With the Christmas season in full swing, many families opt to travel to Europe to experience how Christmas is celebrated there. From the lush architecture of Italy to the vibrant weather of Spain, all the way to the great wonder of the World in France. There’s a lot to explore in Europe and to make sure you do it in the right way, we have compiled a short list of essential tips that you should follow. Read these tips to make the right decisions. Europe: a sub-continent comprising 50 countries with diversified vibrant cultures, scenic views, gorgeous beaches, lush green forests, and a lot more. I can write a whole article just about the beauty of Europe but we better be focused on the tips that will help you for your next trip to the sub-continent. Planning your trip to Europe can be an overwhelming task but not an overwhelming experience if you do know the dos and don’ts of the trip. Well, if you are on equal footing, I am here with these travel tips to familiarize you with the dos and don’ts. So, hold with me, and let’s dive into the tips that can help you make your trip marvelous. Book The Stuff Early Air tickets, accommodation, inter or intra-city transportation, and everything that needs a booking, should be booked earlier. So, the thing is you should dodge the demand. During the holiday season, in particular, the demand is huge for air tickets and accommodation. Booking them early is the way to go. Also, I should mention here, the importance of a stable internet while booking so you don’t miss out on the limited number of your beloved seats. Spectrum provides one of the most reliable internet connections in the States. You can contact Spectrum Customer Service and get a plan according to your needs. The high demand is one thing, there are many discounts available for early bookers. Check Upgraded Points and you can find the discounts for your airfare. Circling to transportation, you have two options: one is using public transport which isn’t recommended for tourists and the other one is a car rental. Don’t forget to negotiate with the car dealers and be sure that you are getting a good deal. Pack Like A Pro Say, you are going on a 10-day trip and you’ll be roaming around three cities. 10 days is a long span and you might need every single thing you use in your routine, right? NO. Nada. To be a pro-packer you just need to include the essentials in your bag and keep things light. There are tons of pros for packing light. Mobility is going to be easy for you, you don’t need to pay for checked luggage, you don’t have to wait in long queues to get your bag and there are fewer chances of your luggage getting lost. Now, what do we count as essentials? Here’s the full list of travel essentials that pro-travelers never skip. Follow The Local Time Traveling will most likely accompany jet lag. Jet lag is basically a temporary sleep disruption for the reason for traveling in different time zones. OK. So, what to do? How do you deal with jet lag? Adapt yourself to the time zone of the city that you are traveling to the night before your flight. This will help you get enough sleep so you don’t waste any moments of your precious time in Europe and also, you’ll adjust rather easily to the local time. If your sleep schedule is during the flight then you can implement these tips to sleep on a plane: Wear bed socks Switch off your devices Use a pillow for your lower back support Skip alcohol and caffeine Use an eye mask Opt For Local Currency When Paying Paying for stuff in Europe may have two possible payment currencies. One is the US dollar and the other Euros which would be the local currency in this case. While many stores would love you to pay in USD, it’s not the best way. It will sound easy at first because you are already familiar with the currency but the difference in exchange rate can cost you more. Now you may think why do they want the tourists to pay in USD? It’s because they earn by giving you a heinous exchange rate of the currency. The bigger your purchase is, the more they’ll earn. So, it’s always good to pay in local currency wherever you are, whether in Europe or in Bali. Before You Land, Download Google Translate How troubling that would be: you land in a foreign land and you can’t even communicate to get a taxi. Yeah. The better way is to learn the basics of the language of the country you’ll be visiting. But I know, we all are on a tight schedule already. We can’t learn the language. Tech to save your day! You can use Google Translate to transcribe the written stuff and translate your language into any language. So, there might not be any problems communicating. Not to forget, usually, Google Maps is available on almost every mobile phone but getting it checked before landing can help you save from the risk of getting lost. Read also: 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India Looking For Your Next Fun-Filled Family Vacation: Head To Aquaventuras Park 15 Best Places For Adventure Dates With Your Loved One