As the FIFA World Cup festivities conclude and the vibrant banners are taken down across Vancouver, the city is keenly aware of the potential for a tourism lull. Royce Chwin, CEO of Destination Vancouver, has expressed his commitment to sidestep what he terms “the great sigh,” a reference to the downturn in visitor numbers that often follows significant events. Citing the quiet aftermath of the 2010 Olympics, Chwin stresses the importance of proactive planning to sustain the tourism buzz generated by the World Cup.
Preparing for the Future
Vancouver’s World Cup journey, which wrapped up with the final match on July 7, saw the city host seven matches as part of a tournament spanning three nations. To mitigate post-event slumps, Chwin reveals that Destination Vancouver has been arranging conferences and cultural events well in advance, starting immediately after the last whistle blew. This strategic planning aims to keep the city’s hospitality sector bustling and engaged.
Vancouver was one of 16 cities across Canada, the US, and Mexico that showcased their venues for the tournament. Reflecting on the city’s performance during the World Cup, Chwin noted that Vancouver “presented incredibly well,” providing an excellent experience for fans and enhancing its global reputation.
Mixed Business Outcomes
Chwin acknowledged that while certain sectors, particularly sports bars and establishments catering to football fans, experienced a surge in business, others faced challenges. “We had some successes and unfortunately, we had some misses,” he remarked. The ongoing evaluation of the event’s overall impact on the region is crucial for understanding what worked and what did not.
One notable observation during this World Cup, according to Chwin, was the dispersion of audiences across multiple host cities, which significantly influenced local hotel occupancy rates. In June, downtown Vancouver hotels reported a 75 per cent occupancy rate, a stark comparison to 91 per cent during the same period in 2025.
Positive Trends in Transportation
Despite concerns regarding occupancy, there was a marked increase in the use of public transport and the airport during the World Cup. Vancouver Airport Authority stated that passenger traffic surged throughout the tournament. Early data reveals that approximately 2.8 million passengers passed through YVR from June 8 to July 10, averaging 86,000 daily and peaking at nearly 92,000 on busier days. This represents a five to ten per cent increase compared to the previous record-breaking year.
The city’s transit authority echoed these positive trends, reporting heightened ridership on match days, which contributed to an overall increase of over 600,000 transit boardings. Particularly around BC Place, SkyTrain stations recorded a staggering 54 per cent increase in ridership, the highest since the 2010 Olympics.
Civic Pride and Future Prospects
Overall, Chwin described the World Cup as a “clean event” that garnered a wealth of positive feedback, showcasing the city’s capabilities and civic pride. “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 commented.
This sense of accomplishment is the momentum that Vancouver now seeks to harness. Chwin emphasises the necessity of capitalising on the goodwill and recognition garnered during the World Cup to promote tourism in the coming years.
Why it Matters
The successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup has placed Vancouver on the global stage, offering a unique opportunity for the city to not only recover from the pandemic-induced downturn but to thrive. By capitalising on the momentum generated during the tournament and addressing the challenges faced by various sectors, Vancouver can ensure a vibrant tourism landscape that benefits its economy long-term. The lessons learned from this event will be pivotal in shaping future strategies for attracting visitors and fostering community pride in the years ahead.