As Vancouver transitions from the excitement of the FIFA World Cup, the city’s tourism leadership is taking proactive steps to avoid a post-event downturn. Royce Chwin, CEO of Destination Vancouver, has highlighted the importance of maintaining visitor numbers and engagement, reflecting on the sluggish tourism experienced after the 2010 Winter Olympics. The city has strategically organised conferences and cultural events to follow immediately after the tournament’s conclusion, which wrapped up on July 7.
A Unique World Cup Experience
Vancouver was one of 16 cities across North America selected to host matches in this year’s World Cup, culminating with the final played in New Jersey between Argentina and Spain. Chwin expressed pride in Vancouver’s performance during the tournament, stating that the city “presented incredibly well” both as a destination and in terms of the fan experience. While businesses catering to soccer enthusiasts, such as sports bars, reported increased sales, some others have not fared as well.
“We had some successes and unfortunately, we had some misses,” Chwin remarked, noting ongoing efforts to evaluate the tournament’s impact across the region. The unique tri-national hosting arrangement, which included venues in the United States and Mexico, influenced hotel occupancy rates and visitor dispersal. Chwin observed that during June, downtown Vancouver hotels saw a 75% occupancy rate, compared to 91% for the same period in 2025, underscoring the greater challenge faced by all participating cities.
Increased Transit and Airport Activity
Despite these occupancy challenges, transit and airport authorities reported significant spikes in usage during the World Cup. The Vancouver Airport Authority indicated that data on passenger counts and travel motives will be released later this summer but confirmed strong demand at YVR. It is expected that summer travel will remain robust, bolstered by the World Cup and a busy cruise season.
Preliminary figures from the tournament’s start on June 8 through to July 10 revealed that approximately 2.8 million passengers passed through the airport, averaging about 86,000 daily, with peak days nearing 92,000. This represents a five to ten percent increase compared to the same period last year, which was already a record-setting year for YVR.
Similarly, Vancouver’s public transit authority reported a marked increase in ridership, especially on match days. Over the tournament period, more than 600,000 additional transit boardings were recorded, with the SkyTrain stations near BC Place experiencing a remarkable 54% surge in ridership. This level of use was the highest seen in the area since the 2010 Olympics.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Chwin described the World Cup as a “clean event,” generating positive sentiments from both visitors and locals. He emphasised the need to harness this civic pride and momentum to foster long-term tourism growth. “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, adding that this enthusiasm must be capitalised on in the years to come.
Reflecting on the overall experience, Chwin remains optimistic about Vancouver’s ability to sustain interest in the city. The focus now shifts to ensuring that the benefits of hosting such a prestigious event resonate well beyond the final whistle.
Why it Matters
The successful hosting of the World Cup positions Vancouver as a vibrant global destination, capable of drawing tourists year-round. By actively planning for post-event engagement and monitoring the tourism landscape, the city aims to build on the goodwill generated by the tournament. This strategy not only supports local businesses but also reinforces Vancouver’s reputation as a premier host city for international events, paving the way for future opportunities and economic benefits.
