If you are skeptical, check out Airbnb's site, which is one of the IOC's most unique partners, and you will see many other options for $115, $167, or $285 per night! Places in good locations, places with good ratings, and places that were even cheaper when you measured them in USD, EUROS, Pounds Kronor, won, or yen. Many Parisians plan to be away for the entire games. 

 

With the Olympics just a few weeks away, I want to dispel one of the most significant urban myths about them: they are expensive. That statement is both accurate and false; it all depends on when you ask the question and who you are. 

 

The cost of attending the Olympics is a tricky exercise, comparable to a gymnast's floor routine, however I have an unscientific economic construct to share with you to explain the pricing scenario. Allow me to suggest three broad cohorts attend the Olympics. Cohort 1, we will call VIP. Cohort 2, we will call Super Fan. Cohort 3, we will call Undecided. 

 

Cohort 1 consists of guests of sponsors, governments, federations, partners, and vendors. This group pays a premium price for everything and usually has it all confirmed some six to twelve months out. Their spending ensures they get the best seats, smooth transportation, and bookings at the right restaurants. Olympic hospitality is a massively complex and lucrative business if you do it right. In 2021, The IOC partnered with On Location for the next three Games to roll out a new model and ecosystem to centralize hospitality packages and create new revenue opportunities. That said, dozens of industry suppliers still build bespoke trips, tours, and events in collaboration with these partners. All are in service to Cohort 1, and their packaging, while great products for those who can afford them, adds to the perception of pricing extremes. 

 

Cohort 2 consists of the Super Fans. I am going to lump both the veterans and the first-time Olympic-goers here. These people make attending the Olympics their hobby or are fulfilling a lifelong dream. They sign up for multiple community travel groups on social media, register with the office ticket platforms, and scout for flight and hotel deals. Often, they are willing to cue up (virtually) and pay face value to attend the sport, round, and venue of their choice, understanding they will save in other areas. Many savvy planners overbook on ticket orders, sometimes accommodation, and often with flight choices as early as possible to shape their trip as their Games trip comes into focus. This group knows the Games are an investment worth making and prioritizes organization and optimization of their time. 

 

Cohort 3 is not just the undecided but also includes the hedgers. That is what I am. I learned the hard way from my first Olympics that while securing the prime tickets and accommodations you want early makes sense, the best deals are often available late. Very late. At each of the three Olympics and Paralympics I have attended, last-minute purchases have marked my trips, invites to events, and even unexpected extended stays. For Paris,  I booked hotels for my family and team a year ago as we knew we were running a conference during the Games. However, two weeks ago, I dumped my hotel for a fantastic three-bedroom, two-bathroom Airbnb that was less than half the price, in a better location, and capable of hosting as a unit. Now, we watch the weekly official Olympic drops (on Thursdays) for access to new tickets and other venues such as museums. 

 

Traditional and social media is full of articles communicating that hotel and accommodation deals are appearing, and resale ticket sites, including the official Paris 24 app, have many products to gather. Before I dumped my Airbnb, I checked out all.com, the multi-brand booking site for the official hotel partner Accor. I went on again this morning and wanted to see how much it would cost per night to stay inside the Boulevard Périphiqué (periphery), often called the Périph. This ring road designates Paris's administrative limit. I wanted to see what was available during August 7-10, and there were dozens of hotels ranging from $ 150 to $ 400 a night. Again, all in Canadian dollars!

 

I understand that a trip that costs you a few thousand dollars isn't something everyone can undertake. My point today is to dispel the myth that you must spend tens of thousands of dollars per person to attend. 

 

As a person who feels spoiled to attend three games and a Paralympics, I can attest that sports fan or not, there is nothing that matches the joy of cheering on your country, meeting people from every part of the Globe, and enjoying a world-class city strutting itself, is nothing short of amazing.