The Paris Summer Olympics aren't driving a significant travel spike to France

While athletes from across the globe are headed to Paris this month to compete for Olympic medals, travelers aren't following the trend and flocking to the City of Light.

Several travel industry leaders have pointed out that the Summer Olympics aren't turning into a financial windfall for their businesses. Glen Hauenstein, president of Delta Air Lines, mentioned earlier this month that the Paris Games could result in a $100 million revenue loss, as many travelers avoid France during the event.

Hotel industry data indicates that some travelers tend to skip major events like the Olympics, waiting for things to settle down before visiting.

"Many people avoid Paris during the Olympics due to concerns over traffic and the event's impact," said Accor CEO Sébastien Bazin at a recent conference. "As a result, the surge in tourism may not be as remarkable as we had anticipated."

From July 26, the opening ceremony, to August 11, the closing ceremony, hotel occupancy in Paris is expected to range between 67% and 85%, according to STR, a hotel data provider. While these are solid numbers, it's far from a situation where every hotel is fully booked.

However, don't get your hopes up for too many last-minute hotel bargains.

While many Marriott hotels in central Paris are fully booked for the opening ceremony night, you can still find a room at the Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel for 3,200 euros ($3,486). Alternatively, the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe Hotel offers a room for a more modest 835 euros ($910), and the Residence Inn Paris Didot Montparnasse is a relative deal at 600 euros ($654) for the night.

Hyatt's best offers in Paris for the opening night of the Olympics come via its newly added Mr & Mrs Smith platform, with the Hotel Monte Cristo Paris available for 324 euros ($353) on July 26. Maison Breguet, another Mr & Mrs Smith property, is priced at 478 euros ($521).

If travelers manage to secure tickets for the closing ceremony on August 11, there are more affordable rates available.

Rooms at Marriott's Moxy Paris Bastille start at 370 euros ($403) for the night. For those aiming to use Marriott Bonvoy points, the best award night option is the Courtyard Paris Gare de Lyon, with rooms starting at 59,000 points (or 414 euros, $451) on the night of August 11.

Don't forget about Accor, the Parisian favorite. The company's newly opened MGallery property, Domaine Reine Margot Paris Issy, offers rooms starting at 415 euros ($452) for the night of the closing ceremony.

Why are some people avoiding Paris?

It's not unusual for travelers to avoid Paris during the Summer Olympics, experts suggest. Typically, travel demand dips during such major events, only to rebound — or even grow — after they conclude.

"Some corporate travelers and groups who planned to meet in Paris may opt to wait until after the Olympics. Instead, they might choose to meet in Madrid or postpone until September," said Jan Freitag, national director of hospitality analytics at STR's parent company, CoStar.

Freitag also mentioned that tourists not attending the Olympics are likely to hold off visiting until the major attractions are less impacted by the event. However, there’s potential for a positive outcome for Paris in the long run.

Delta Air Lines' executives pointed out during their earnings call that demand for transatlantic flights was strong in the fall after previous Olympics. Organizers of past Summer Games in cities like London and Barcelona highlight the long-term benefits the events have brought to locals and tourists alike.

"Paris is set to thrive, and it's going to be absolutely stunning," said Accor CEO Bazin earlier this summer.

It seems that slow and steady progress is the key — especially for Olympic host cities awaiting the long-term tourism boost that follows the Games.