The Olympic Games are well under way in Paris following a spectacular and rather unusual opening ceremony on the Seine. This may not be the only way the Paris Games are different to recent summer games. Paris budgeted for €8 billion in its bid in 2017, since then the budget has increased by several billion. If the costs remain around this number Paris is set to be the cheapest games in decades. 

I have arrived in Marseille for a week of Olympic activities where I will be watching football and water sports. Yes Marseille not Paris! The Paris Games are spread out over a number of cities reaching as far as Tahiti for the surfing events. Spreading out the locations has meant that Paris will not feel all the burdens of hosting the games and will not reap the rewards alone, as the expected economic benefits will be spread around the country. Is the cost of hosting the games worth it? 

The cost for hosting a Summer Games has exponentially increased since the first modern games in 1986, sparking controversy over the financial strain on host countries. Paris is hoping to break this cycle, that has left previous host cities in debt as revenue generated has only covered a fraction of the costs. In Tokyo 2022 the summer games generated $5.8 billion in revenue compared to the $13 billion in costs (Council on Foreign Relations, July 2024). 

The International Olympic Committee insists that the host city of a games supports the cities global standing, increases tourism, generates jobs and improves city infrastructure. 

Yet a number of economists argue that the benefits are largely exaggerated and dubious as many are long term and cannot always be predicted or fulfilled. Calls have been made to reform the bidding processes as these alone can be a financial strain on a city. 

In preparation for a bid a city must invest millions into their preparation and submission of a bid. Tokyo spent up to $150 billion on their failed 2026 bid whilst Toronto decided it could not afford the $60 million needed for their 2024 bid (Council of Foreign Relations, July 2024). 

Beyond the bidding process the immediate costs for host cities involves updating and building groundbreaking facilities. I expect this is where Paris has reduced its costs by utilising the Rolland Garros Tennis Stadium used annually for the French Open, as well as the stadiums used for the recent 2023 Rugby World Cup. 

The Paris games is estimated to produce €7.4- €12.2 billion between 2018 and 2043. 

The main benefit of hosting the games is the tourism boost. Since arriving in the South of France, I have met many people who have integrated the Games into their travel plans and have benefited from the games being spread out to avoid the busy streets in Paris. I have travelled to Cassis and Aix en Provence as part of my trip visiting staying at local hostels and supporting local businesses. Furthermore the multitude of travel options around Europe have made it easy for people to reach the French cities to enjoy the Olympic events. 

Despite the disruption to the rail service on the opening days of the games spectators have been able to reach their destinations.

However the economic benefits provided by tourism is mixed due to the high ticket prices, cost of travel as well as the overcrowding and security issues related to sporting events. I have encountered several sports fans whilst travelling around Marseille who have expressed how their accommodation had been cancelled a number of times as Air B&B hosts and other accommodation providers doubled prices once the French public realised that Marseille would be hosting Olympic events. Subsequently a number of ticket holders decided to sell their tickets and not attend due the hassle arranging their trip.  

I will definitely be returning to the South of France as a result of my experience at the Games. I look forward to exploring the French Capital in the future. I will undoubtedly be contributing to local businesses and the French economy, so it is fair to say that the Games has been successful in attracting visitors not only to the capital but other regions of France as well.

For daily updates on the progress of the Team GB athletes check out the Team GB app and Instagram.