According to the newspaper La Provence, hoteliers and restaurateurs are tired of hearing a "defeatist" discourse from the authorities. Thousands of representatives of the hospitality sector are concerned by the constant emphasis on the problems that could arise from the Olympic Games. 

For this reason, the main trade association for the hospitality sector in the Île-de-France region, the epicentre of the 2024 Olympics, has sent an open letter to the authorities expressing its dissatisfaction with what it considers to be "fearful communication", which always focuses on potential problems without offering solutions, which it claims there is still time to provide. 

The letter reads: "Why be afraid today of what you have wished for so much?", a clear reference to the excitement and motivation shared by all French citizens, especially Parisians, to welcome the most important sporting event in the world.

In a letter addressed to the Government, the City of Paris, the Region and the Prefecture, the GHR President, Pascal Mousset, asks: "Why are the inhabitants of the Île-de-France region being asked to work remotely during the Olympic Games in order to avoid the crowds, possible traffic jams, problems with crowds and a possible lack of security?" The GHR president warns that they do not want "another lockdown".

In essence, what the hoteliers and business owners want to do in a sector that will be crucial during the months of the Olympic Games is to avoid highlighting the potential problems and to look for solutions as they point out in the letter: "There is still time. "Do we not still have time to think about how best to manage and solve this problem?"

The message is clear, and the organisation, which has over 5,000 members, is calling on the authorities to change the discourse and encourage "positive and responsible discourse" to prevent hoteliers becoming "helpless victims of discordant and negative speeches".

As the key days approach, between 26 July and the 11 August, with the Olympic Games, and later with the Paralympic Games, between the 28 August and 8 September, the influx of visitors and the activity will multiply. During these days, everything will be on a larger scale. Members of the hospitality industry have two main concerns. 

Firstly, getting the raw materials needed to keep going. The arrival of all the tools and perishables needed will require special attention. Secondly, the need to change the opening hours of restaurants and their terraces. In the letter sent to the authorities this Tuesday, they ask for an extension of the night-time closing hours, including an important sentence: "We cannot imagine closing our terraces at 10pm when the whole city is out!" 

Obviously, the arrival of foreign visitors during the Games will completely change habits and customs. A sector like this has to adapt to the needs and demands that lie ahead. For now, we will have to wait and see how the authorities respond to this letter, which is only a request from industry professionals.