Paris hotel owners fume over 2024 Olympics tourist tax increase, calling it ‘another blow’ for the hospitality sector

On Tuesday, Parisian hoteliers expressed their discontent over a government proposal to triple the tax levied on tourists staying at hotels in 2024, coinciding with the Olympic Games hosted by the capital. Currently, the tourist tax in Paris ranges from €0. 25 (US$0. 27) per night for basic accommodation to €5 per night for luxury establishments. The government intends to triple this fee as part of its 2024 budget, planning to push it through parliament without a vote before Christmas.

The UMIH hotel and restaurant union and GNC group of hotel chains issued a statement, expressing their concern over the impact of this move on their sector's competitiveness and France's image, especially with the Paris 2024 Olympics drawing global attention. The government has justified the 200 per cent increase in the tourist tax, stating it will contribute to funding public transport. However, this has not quelled the dissatisfaction among hoteliers in the French capital.

The syndicates argue that this would result in a tax collection of €423 million annually, significantly more than the €200 million the government and the regional transport authority claim they require. Catherine Querard, the president of GHR, another union representing the hospitality and catering sector, voiced her concern, stating: 'The authorities fear a hike in hotel prices, but they're sending the tax rate through the roof. Then they'll come and blame us. ' It's worth noting that hotels have already increased their rates for the duration of the Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11.