In the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13, the occupancy rate in Paris dropped dramatically in one day, according to data from Paris-based consultancy MKG.
According to MKG’s Bruno Courtin, the average room rates remained steady on Monday, but he added that it won’t last. “Some areas in Paris are strangely quiet,” he added, referencing a usually crowded Concorde subway station at lunch time that was almost empty on Monday.
MKG’s data showed occupancy at 82.3% on Friday, November 13, dropping to 65.3% the following day and down to 44.7% on November 15. RevPAR stood at €150.9 on Friday, €117.9 on Saturday and €85.9 on Sunday.
Marriott published a statement on Sunday expressing that it is deeply saddened by the tragic events and how its thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their loved ones and all those impacted. “At this time, all of our guests and employees have been accounted for and there has been no direct impact to our hotels. The safety and security of our guests and employees is always a top priority. We will continue to monitor the situation,” the statement added.
Marriott added that given the ongoing situation, it is waiving cancellation fees for guests holding existing reservations at all 15 Marriott properties in Paris through November 28, 2015. Additionally, it is working with group and special event customers on a case-by-case basis.
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) also issued a statement pledging to work with governments, private industry and business travelers to ensure the future safety and security of the global travel system.
“The terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of more than a 120 innocent people and injured scores more are not just an assault on Paris, but on our modern way of life,” said Christle Johnson, President of GBTA. “On behalf of the Global Business Travel Association, let me express our deepest sympathies to the French people and to those directly affected by the attacks. We stand with the people of France today. French President François Hollande, understandably, has closed the borders of France, declared a state of emergency, and called for three days of mourning. As a result a number of travelers are stranded in France. As a strong and unified business travel industry, we will do everything we can to provide resources to these travelers in this time of need.”