As the final echoes of the FIFA World Cup fade and the last of the event’s decorations are taken down, Vancouver is keenly focused on maintaining its tourism momentum. Royce Chwin, CEO of Destination Vancouver, emphasised the city’s proactive measures to prevent a post-event tourism slump similar to the one experienced after the 2010 Olympics. With strategic planning that began years ago, Vancouver is determined to avoid what Chwin describes as “the great sigh” that often follows major sporting events.
Building on Momentum
Vancouver played host to seven matches during the World Cup, which featured 16 cities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. As the tournament concluded with the final match between Argentina and Spain in New Jersey, Chwin reflected positively on the city’s performance. He stated that Vancouver “presented incredibly well” both as a destination for fans and on the global stage. Local businesses catering to soccer enthusiasts saw a noticeable increase in sales, particularly sports bars, although some sectors may have faced challenges.
“We had some successes and unfortunately, we had some misses,” Chwin acknowledged. The city is currently assessing the mixed impact of the World Cup across the region, keen to identify both the successes and the areas that fell short.
Unprecedented Hosting Experience
The 2023 World Cup was a unique event, being the first to be hosted by three different countries. This unprecedented arrangement had implications for local businesses and hotel occupancy rates. Chwin noted that while downtown Vancouver hotels recorded a 75 per cent occupancy in June, the same period in 2025 is projected to reach 91 per cent. He indicated that this trend is reflective of a broader issue faced by all 16 host cities, rather than a challenge specific to Vancouver.
Despite the varied hotel occupancy, transit and airport authorities reported significant increases in usage during the World Cup. The Vancouver Airport Authority revealed that it would provide detailed passenger statistics later in the summer, but initial data suggests strong demand bolstered by the tournament and typical summer travel.
Post-World Cup Activity
From the onset of the World Cup on June 8 until July 10, approximately 2.8 million travellers passed through Vancouver International Airport (YVR), averaging around 86,000 passengers daily, with peak days nearing 92,000. This surge represents an increase of five to ten per cent over the same period last year, which was already a record year for the airport.
Similarly, the city’s transit authority reported a spike in ridership, particularly on match days, which accounted for over 600,000 additional boardings across the region. Notably, SkyTrain stations near BC Place experienced an average ridership increase of 54 per cent, marking the highest levels since the 2010 Olympics.
Civic Pride and Future Potential
Chwin described the World Cup as a “clean event,” one that generated widespread enjoyment and positive feedback about Vancouver. He expressed gratitude for the civic pride demonstrated throughout the tournament, highlighting the city’s capability to host significant events and the positive impact on its global image.
“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. Chwin emphasised the importance of leveraging this momentum to ensure continued growth in tourism for years to come.
Why it Matters
The impact of the FIFA World Cup on Vancouver extends far beyond the duration of the matches themselves. As the city navigates the critical post-event period, its strategic planning and community engagement will be pivotal in sustaining the heightened interest from visitors. By capitalising on this moment, Vancouver has the potential to solidify its reputation as a vibrant and welcoming destination, thus ensuring long-term economic benefits for the region. The successful hosting of the World Cup could serve as a catalyst for future events, helping to strengthen the city’s tourism sector and bolster its global standing.
