Olympics
the impact of the olympics on tourism: a foodie's perspective (updated february 18 2025)
By Evelyn Reed
Published: 18 Feb 2025
The Unexpected Gastronomic Adventures of the 2024 Paris Olympics
My goodness, you wouldn't BELIEVE the food scene at the Olympics! I mean, I knew it would be incredible – Paris, right? – but the sheer variety and quality? Wow. I had this amazing crepe one day, filled with goat cheese and honey… utterly divine. But it wasn't just the high-end stuff. I also tried some seriously authentic street food, like these incredible falafel wraps I found near the Seine – completely changed my life! I'm still dreaming about them. The Olympics are so much more than just the games themselves. It's a feast for the senses, and that includes the amazing diversity of food and drink options.
Paris street food and crepes | Image: Supplied
A Global Village of Flavors: The Olympic Culinary Tapestry
The thing that struck me most? It wasn't just French food; It was a culinary celebration of the world! Each nation brought its unique culinary traditions to the table (or, you know, to the food stalls). I remember seeing this incredible spread of Jamaican jerk chicken one evening, and a few days later, I happened upon a stall selling the most delicious dumplings I've ever tasted. It was like taking a culinary journey around the world, all within a few square kilometers. It honestly felt like a global party, and the food was a huge part of that.
Jamaican jerk chicken and dumplings at the Olympics | Image: Supplied
Beyond the Stadium: The Olympic Effect on Local Eateries
The Games didn't just impact the official Olympic venues, though; it had a ripple effect on local restaurants and cafes, too. The influx of visitors meant that businesses, even those not directly involved in the Olympic events, saw a huge surge in their customer base. Many places I went to had special menus for the Games, offering unique dishes and drinks inspired by the event. That's kind of neat, to see those local restaurants get such a boost.
Local restaurants in Paris during the Olympics | Image: Supplied
The Economic Impact: A Boon for Tourism and Local Businesses
The 2024 Paris Olympics undoubtedly had a positive effect on the French economy. Millions of tourists came to the city, creating a massive boost for hotels, restaurants, transportation, and many other sectors. What's more, it brought a significant amount of investment and development to different neighborhoods, meaning that the positive impact isn't just temporary—it'll make the city better in the long run. It was cool to see how the Olympics had improved the infrastructure and the area surrounding the venues.
Parisian economy and tourism | Image: Supplied
The Challenges and Considerations: A Balanced View
Of course, nothing is ever perfect. There were some downsides as well, like increased traffic and potential strains on resources during this period of intense tourism. Many smaller businesses also faced challenges in competing with the bigger, more established restaurants and food stalls. It makes you think about how to make sure the positives are maximized and negative things mitigated. But I truly believe that, overall, the positive aspects outweighed the negatives.
Paris traffic and tourism challenges | Image: Supplied
More Than Just Games: A Lasting Legacy of Culinary Delights
I left Paris with my belly full, my heart happy, and a whole new appreciation for the global culinary scene. The 2024 Olympics wasn't just about athletic competition; it was a huge cultural exchange, and food played a huge part in that. The memories I made, the flavors I experienced – they're irreplaceable. And, you know, I can still taste that goat cheese and honey crepe...
