One of the many factors that contribute to the flow of tourism in Paris is the business events, like the Foire de Paris (Paris Fair). By examining trends and performances from the 2025 fair period, we explore how this event influences hotel demand and the broader hospitality landscape in Paris.
Despite some fluctuations, such as declines around public holidays like Labor Day and Victory in Europe Day, the overall performance trends indicate strong demand, especially before and after these key dates.
The fair takes place annually at the exhibition centre of the Porte de Versailles for ten days and welcomes approximately 600,000 visitors and 3,500 exhibitors across 220,000 square meters of exhibition space. Each edition places particular emphasis on international representation, with more than 40 destinations promoting their tourism, cultural heritage, and gastronomy. It is worth to mention that the Foire de Paris is one of France’s longest-running commercial events, as it is held annually since 1904.
The fair is structured around three core themes: home and renovation, well-being and leisure, and world cultures. The sectors that participate, have a range of options as they span from sustainable interior design and smart home technologies to artisanal craftsmanship and culinary experiences.
The projections for Paris
It is quite interesting to start the analysis by mentioning the projections of May, for this fair. According to MKG Consulting datas, the average booking rate in Paris during the fair period, from April 30 until May 11, was projected to be a little bit higher than for the entire month of May (36.83% vs. 34.19%). Furthermore, the biggest peak on booking for Paris for the fair period, was projected to be on Friday, May 2, 2025 (49.35%), followed by Saturday, May 3, 2025 (46.15%) and Thursday, May 1, 2025 (45.30%). This is quite normal, as the week-end was extended, due to the public holiday and many people left the city for vacations all across the country.
The projections for the booking peak were not very far from…
