As Vancouver transitions from the fervour of the FIFA World Cup, the city is taking proactive steps to prevent what Royce Chwin, CEO of Destination Vancouver, describes as “the great sigh”—the dip in tourism that can follow significant events. Drawing on lessons from the 2010 Olympics, Vancouver is keen to maintain the momentum gained from hosting World Cup matches, starting with the immediate booking of conferences and cultural events post-tournament.
A Successful World Cup Experience
Vancouver was one of 16 cities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico that played host to the World Cup, culminating in the final match between Argentina and Spain in New Jersey. Chwin reflected positively on Vancouver’s performance throughout the tournament, noting that the city showcased itself remarkably well both as a destination for fans and on the global stage.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the event, Chwin acknowledged mixed results for local businesses. While sports bars and venues catering to soccer enthusiasts experienced increased sales, other sectors faced challenges. “We had some successes and unfortunately, we had some misses,” he remarked. “We’re still trying to assess the impacts, positively and negatively, throughout the entire region, what did successfully and what didn’t.”
Hotel Occupancy and Visitor Trends
This year’s World Cup was unique in its tri-national hosting structure, which influenced hotel occupancy rates. In June, downtown Vancouver saw a 75 per cent occupancy rate, a stark contrast to the projected 91 per cent for the same period in 2025. Chwin explained that the geographical spread of fans across multiple cities contributed to this dispersion. “That story rings true to some degree in all of the 16 cities, so it’s not a unique-to-Vancouver problem,” he said.
In contrast, recent data from Vancouver’s transit and airport authorities indicate a surge in usage during the event. The Vancouver Airport Authority reported significant traffic, with about 2.8 million passengers passing through YVR from June 8 to July 10, averaging 86,000 daily travellers. Peak days saw numbers nearing 92,000, marking a five to ten per cent increase compared to the previous year, which was already a record for the airport.
Public Transport: A Rise in Ridership
The city’s transit authority also noted a substantial uptick in ridership, particularly on match days. Over this period, there were more than 600,000 additional transit boardings across the region. Notably, SkyTrain stations near BC Place experienced a remarkable 54 per cent increase in ridership, the highest figures recorded in the area since the 2010 Olympics.
Chwin described the World Cup as a “clean event” that generated a great deal of civic pride and positive feedback about Vancouver. “We were reminded of the power of civic pride in our place and that we could pull off something significant and have a very positive impact,” he said. He emphasised the importance of leveraging this newfound momentum to foster long-term benefits for the city.
Why it Matters
The successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup provides Vancouver with a unique opportunity to reshape its tourism landscape. By avoiding the post-event downturn that has historically plagued cities after major celebrations, Vancouver can build on its recent accomplishments to attract visitors year-round. The lessons learned and the connections made during this global event could serve as a springboard for future tourism initiatives, enhancing the city’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub and a must-visit destination in North America.
