“It’s very, very quiet”: In Marseille, the Olympics penalize businesses far from the Olympic sites

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games brought a notable tourist influx to Marseille, particularly for the sailing and football events. However, this influx has not uniformly benefited all of the city's businesses. While some areas near Olympic venues have prospered, others have felt palpable disappointment.

Record crowds near the Olympic sites

Marseille hosted ten sailing events and ten football matches, leading to a significant increase in tourist numbers. According to the figures, French customers increased by 18% and international customers by 28% compared to summer 2023 between July 28 and August 3. Zaïa, a trader near the Marina, saw her turnover almost double during the Games. “With the heat, we are tired, but we are happy. There were a lot of people, more than we expected,” she said, adding that its attractive prices played a key role in this success.

Disappointment beyond Olympic facilities

However, the situation is different for businesses located far from the Olympic sites. In the city center, particularly near the Old Port, establishments such as the Brasserie des Templiers have experienced a significant drop in activity. Youssouf, a waiter, expressed his disillusionment: “I don't know if it's the holidays or if it's the Olympics, but frankly, it's very, very calm. There is no activity in Marseille, nothing. It's very sad, it really hurts. »

Negative impact on the hotel and catering industry

This situation contrasts sharply with the expectations of professionals in the sector. UMIH 13, the hospitality industry trade union, estimates that attendance at hotels, cafes and restaurants decreased by at least 20% during the Olympic Games. This unexpected drop highlights an imbalance in the economic impact of major sporting events, favoring areas directly associated with competitions to the detriment of other areas of the city.

Alice Leroy