With the Paris 2024 Olympics set to begin July 36, organisers are facing an unexpected challenge: over a million unsold tickets. Despite record-breaking sales of 8.8 million tickets, as announced by Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 Olympic Organising Committee, the last-minute surplus has raised concerns about potential empty seats at events.
In a bid to boost sales, new tickets are being added daily to the official Paris 2024 ticketing app and website. However, this strategy has inadvertently complicated matters for those attempting to resell their tickets through the official platform – the only authorised resale market for Olympic event tickets.
An analysis by the Financial Times revealed a significant increase in resale listings, jumping from 180,000 to 270,000 in just the past month. Resellers are facing difficulties due to the app’s pricing restrictions, which prevent them from setting their own prices or offering discounts. Adding to their frustration, newly released official tickets are often priced lower than resale offerings.
The reasons for reselling vary, from changes in personal plans to local residents’ frustrations with citywide disruptions caused by Olympic preparations. As the opening ceremony on the Seine river approaches, organisers are working against the clock to fill seats and maintain the anticipated Olympic atmosphere. (CBS)
