While Indian athletes are giving their best at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Indians are also planning a ‘staycation’ to cheer them on at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. This year, Indian visa applications to France have surged by 60%. This increase in applications indicates the growing interest and enthusiasm among Indian travellers to participate in this mega global sporting event. It is no longer just a ‘sporting event’ but an opportunity for Indian travellers to come together and cheer on the participants.
Athlete shaking
Commenting on the “sports staycation” travel trend, Indian professional sprinter and national 100m champion Dutee Chand said, “Log aaj sports lovers bane hai (people today have become sports lovers).” For Dutee, who has had a close experience of the world of sports, the Olympics have a feel and flavor that is no less than the cricket frenzy that most Indians have. Dutee says the Olympics have become an excitement-inducing factor among Indians, given the fact that a large number of athletes (117) will be participating this year. She added, “Initially, many people did not know much about sports or the Olympics.”
Today, thanks to the rise of social media and government support, Indians are proud to extend their support and warmth to participants, even if it means visiting and planning holidays in such host countries.
Fly High
As the Olympic fever continues, Atlys, India’s largest online visa application platform, has released some surprising research results. Mohak Nafta, founder and CEO of Atlys, emphasized that the Olympics is a rare opportunity for Indians to watch world-class athletes compete at the highest level. “Such events give you the chance to experience the enthusiastic atmosphere offered to fans and supporters from all over the world and become part of a global community,” he said. Mohak said that there has been an increase in visa applications during past Olympics as well. However, he happily said, “This year’s surge in visas is particularly noticeable and high compared to previous years.”
In June-July 2023, there were around 10,000 visa applications to France. This year, there has been a staggering 60% increase, with 16,000 visa applications from Indians alone. Vipan Sharma, Managing Director, Air Cruise Travels, said there has been a significant increase in demand for travel packages to iconic sporting events across the world. Citing Wimbledon as an example, he sees a steady year-on-year increase in package bookings from Indian fans wanting to experience the grandeur of such a prestigious sporting event. Vipan said, “These trends are indicative of not only a growing appetite for sports-related travel but also a changing preference of Indian tourists and travellers.”
Sports Attractions
Also, many Indians seem to be venturing out to book “group trips” with family and friends. Atlys has further witnessed a 45% increase in group visa applications, which it believes reflects the warm communal aspect of Indians attending such a global event. While Paris remains the top priority on everyone’s radar, sports tourism has also increased by 50% overall. Travelers today want to visit famous French sporting venues such as Stade de France and Roland Garros in addition to attending the Olympic Games. Rikant Pittie, co-founder, EaseMyTrip, says that the influx of around 11.3 million visitors and 1.5 million international guests who visited Paris this year sends a clear message that the entirety of India, participants and supporters alike, is gearing up for the Paris 2024 Olympics in high spirits. Rikant says: “This growing interest is evident from a threefold increase in online searches for Paris. At EaseMyTrip, we have seen a fourfold increase in searches for Paris,” he said, adding that the highest demand seems to be from Indians, especially from Tier 1 cities such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.
All reserved
When it comes to the number of nights booked in the Paris region during the Olympics, Airbnb has also recorded a five-fold (400%) surge this year compared to the same period a year ago (as of March 31). In addition to this, Paris remains the most searched city on the platform. Active listings in the region have increased by 40%. “The surge in bookings in Paris reflects an exciting trend among Indian travelers, who are increasingly planning trips to coincide with iconic sporting events like the Olympics, signaling a growing appetite for unique, global experiences,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager, India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Airbnb. He adds that while Paris remains a popular travel destination, travelers seem to be venturing beyond the traditional tourist destinations. Many of them are visiting cities like Saint-Denis and Bordeaux to watch their favorite sports.
Ready, start, go!
The question on everyone’s mind is whether India will host the Olympics in the near future, perhaps with an eye on 2036. “If this happens, it will be a big event for all of us as a country,” Dutee said in an optimistic tone, adding, “When we have the Olympics, everyone is into sports, but that’s not always the case.” She hopes that with or without big sporting events, people will continue to have high aspirations when it comes to sports. Given the fact that 117 Indian athletes are doing their best at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, a trip to Paris to cheer on a fellow champion may be too sweet a temptation to resist. Bon voyage!
Sports Holidays
• 40% increase in active trips to Paris
• 16,000 French visa applications from Indians alone in 2024
• Atlys sees 50% increase in sports tourism related enquiries
• 45% increase in group travel bookings and visa applications
• 30% increase in hotel bookings by Indians in the Paris area ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics (Airbnb)
• Nice, Aubervilliers, Colombes and Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine have also seen a significant increase in Indian interest (Airbnb data)
“Log aaj sports lovers bane hai (People today have become sports lovers)” — Dutee Chand, Indian professional sprinter and national champion (100 metres)
Sporting events like this offer an opportunity to become part of a global community.” — Mohak Nafta, Founder and CEO of online visa application platform Atlys
