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A metal barrier was erected on July 18th, making it difficult for both locals and tourists to access the restaurants. To enter the area, everyone needs a QR code.
According to some reports, customer numbers at restaurants in the area have dropped by as much as 80%. This has significantly impacted their businesses, which have already been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years.
With only a few days left until the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, scheduled to take place on the Seine River, the heart of Paris, the tightened security for the event is impacting restaurants along the river.
Traffic on the surrounding avenues has decreased significantly compared to normal, and locals and tourists alike are frequently stopped at security checkpoints, especially when trying to cross the Seine River.
These stringent security measures, while necessary to ensure the safety of the Olympic Games, created significant barriers to access for riverside restaurants. This resulted in a sharp decline in customer numbers, negatively impacting the revenue of restaurants in the area.
Many restaurant owners expressed surprise and disappointment. They had prepared staff to accommodate a large number of customers during the Olympics, but now face a deserted and quiet atmosphere.
A group representing restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and nightclubs stated: "Despite optimistic forecasts, business has slowed since June, with many seeing their revenue drop by 30% compared to previous years."
These organizations added that their businesses are being affected by tourists avoiding the capital Paris, unfavorable weather, inflation, political tensions following President Emmanuel Macron's call for early elections, and tightened security measures for the Olympics. They said these obstacles combined are causing "very significant economic consequences" for the 2024 Olympics.
Many people expressed hope that the situation would improve in the next few days, as visitors become accustomed to the Olympic event's new security procedures.
Some restaurant owners have expressed frustration with the current situation, arguing that security measures are having an unnecessary negative impact on their businesses. They hope that officials will review the security measures and make adjustments to help local businesses recover.
Holding the Olympic opening ceremony outdoors offers an exciting experience for viewers but also presents greater security challenges. According to Reuters, approximately 45,000 police officers will be deployed to ensure security for the ceremony, including special forces. Snipers will be positioned on the rooftops of buildings along the route. An anti-drone system will also be deployed.
The Paris Olympics, taking place from July 26th to August 11th, is expected to feature 329 events across 32 sports. This is the third time Paris has hosted the Summer Olympics, following the years 1900 and 1924. An estimated 10,700 athletes from around the world are expected to participate in this year's Olympics. The Paris 2024 Olympics are projected to cost France 9 billion Euros.
