Through their representatives, restaurants, shops, bars and discotheques have jointly denounced the "unprecedented drop in activity and traffic" that they are experiencing, contrary to the optimistic forecasts made at the start of the world event.

On the contrary, revenues are down by 30% compared to previous years, as tight security is deterring tourists from visiting the French capital. And this is not the only reason why they are suffering, as they are also affected by the difficult climate, the accumulated price inflation that is affecting their ability to consume, and the political atmosphere following the snap elections and the subsequent situation.

The combination of all these factors is having 'disastrous economic consequences', according to the unions representing these sectors. The organisations also called on the authorities to communicate more clearly the measures they are taking that affect daily life, especially those related to security, which they say are the ones that affect them the most and of which they need to be aware in order to plan their activities accordingly.

They speak of a reduction in the number of visitors of up to 70% in tourist areas par excellence, such as the Place du Trocadero, in the west of Paris and close to the emblematic and essential for any visitor to the Eiffel Tower.

Many small businesses are in danger of closing down for good," they say, calling on the French government to set up "fair and rapid" compensation procedures to "compensate for the inconvenience and losses caused by the Olympic Games".

Heavy security
The celebrations for the Games will take place amid tight security measures, which have already been felt in recent weeks, security has been a major concern for both the athletes themselves and for the entire Olympic Village and city, and has intensified in the week leading up to the ambitious Opening Ceremony, which will be the first in history to be held outside the venue.

In addition to the security of a multimillion-dollar event on which the world's attention is focused, there is a global concern about terrorism, both in terms of attacks and the infiltration of terrorists into delegations and volunteers, which is being monitored at the highest level.

These Olympics will have the added complexity of being held in central Europe, where the problems have been imported, but are no less significant and need to be addressed. Police officers and dogs from other countries will bolster security for the Paris Games. Some countries, including Poland or Germany, will send military personnel to France to help with security.

For the opening ceremony on the Seine on 26 July, the authorities announced the deployment of 45,000 security personnel in the Paris region. According to the latest figures, 18,000 French troops will be deployed during the tournament, along with a further 35,000 security personnel, with the possibility of increasing numbers if circumstances require. 

Military preparation includes boats, combat divers, sonar detectors, intelligence-gathering units with drones, canine teams, and troops equipped with anti-drone weapons as security teams prepare for an unprecedented variety of threats. On Thursday, thousands of French security forces sealed off a six-kilometre stretch of central Paris in preparation for next week's elaborate Olympic opening ceremony. In addition, 10 metro stations used daily by thousands of Parisians and tourists were closed.

Securing the Paris Games remains a top priority for the French authorities, with Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin insisting on Wednesday that there was no "credible threat" at this stage. Residents, tourists and workers will only be able to enter the so-called "sensitive areas" if they show the police a QR code proving they live in the area, have a hotel reservation, restaurant booking or work permit.

The measures affect traffic, with almost 200 kilometres of motorways closed to traffic to create a special lane for athletes and other professionals involved in the games.