The French government intends to issue checks to 10,000 hotels and restaurants in the country in the run-up to the Olympic Games (OJ) in Paris next year in order to limit the explosion of bills during the international sporting event.
French Tourism Minister Olivia Grégoire said on Wednesday that all 1,600 hotels in the French capital will receive a visit from the French Anti-Corruption Agency by the summer.
The Paris Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11. The Paralympic Games will then be presented from August 28 to September 8.
French media reported last month that French Tourist Offices had observed a 314% increase in the price of hotel rooms for the period of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The average price of a hotel room for one night in the Paris region during this period increased from 169 euros ($247 Canadian dollars) in July 2022 to 699 euros ($1,023) a year later.
In France, the free market determines the price of hotel rooms, and this will not be capped during the Olympics. The French government hopes that by increasing inspections, price increases will remain moderate.
In interview with Sud Radio, Mme Grégoire mentioned that business owners could “face hefty fines” if they are found guilty of violating the laws. She recalled that the price of hotel rooms must be clearly indicated, and that the price paid by customers must not exceed that displayed at the time of the transaction.
“We have a complete arsenal of extremely steep fines and sanctions,” she stressed. It is essential that tourists, whether French or from abroad, get value for their money. »
The Paris Tourist Office predicts that around 15.9 million people could visit the Paris region between July and September.
In a separate statement, the French Anti-Corruption Agency said it will particularly target hotels, accommodation rental companies, campsites, restaurants, cafes and food trucks.
The agency added that it had already visited more than 1,700 hotels and accommodation sites — including 600 in Paris — in 2023.
“Following these visits, it was determined that 70% of the targeted establishments had presented at least one anomaly,” it was specified.