"Don't Come to the Olympics"... Paris Citizens Urge Tourist Boycott, Why?

'Warning Videos' Spreading That Mention Price and Accommodation Crises, Terrorism Fears, and More

Citizens of Paris, France, are spreading videos urging foreigners not to come to Paris ahead of the opening of the 2024 Summer Olympics, effectively encouraging a 'boycott.'

The American daily The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 14th (local time) that numerous videos warning visitors that they may not have a pleasant experience in Paris during the Olympics are being widely shared on platforms like TikTok.

Near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

For example, Miranda Starcevic (31), a French-American living in Paris, advised in a video posted on TikTok last November, "Don't come. Cancel everything," adding, "No one wants the Olympics. This is a complete mess."

A 24-year-old local university student posting under the nickname 'Leo Nora' on TikTok claimed, "If you plan to come to Paris to watch the Olympics, don't come," arguing that Paris will be dangerous and resemble a 'living hell' during the Olympics.

NYT reported that some of these videos have been viewed tens of thousands to over a million times.

The unusual stance taken by residents of the host city of the world's largest sporting event, the Summer Olympics, is interpreted as dissatisfaction with the worsening issues of prices and accommodation caused by the influx of tourists and event personnel from around the world.

In fact, Starcevic and Nora expressed their dissatisfaction in their videos about the Paris city government's plan to provide university dormitories to Olympic officials.

There is also considerable resentment over the nearly doubled Paris metro fares during the Olympics and the anticipated surge in various prices.

Additionally, some residents warn that there could be transportation chaos due to strikes, potential terrorist attacks, and a rise in various crimes such as scams and pickpocketing targeting tourists.

Starcevic told NYT that she plans to leave Paris and stay in the south of France during the Olympics, saying, "I am lucky enough to be able to do that, but most people do not have the privilege to do so."