Vancouver’s Post-World Cup Strategy
As Vancouver concludes its role as a host city for the World Cup, officials are focusing on preventing a downturn in tourism often seen after major events. Royce Chwin, CEO of Destination Vancouver, described this potential lull as “the great sigh,” drawing a parallel to the quiet year that followed the 2010 Olympics hosted in the city.
To counteract this, Vancouver initiated preparations years in advance. This included scheduling various conferences and cultural events to begin immediately after the final whistle of the tournament on July 7 at BC Place. The city was one of 16 host locations across Canada, the United States, and Mexico for the tournament.
Mixed Economic Outcomes for Local Businesses
Despite official assurances of significant economic benefits, many Vancouver businesses reported that the anticipated surge from the World Cup did not materialize. Susanna Ng, who has operated New Town Bakery and Restaurant in Chinatown for nearly five decades, noted a decline in sales in June, a rare occurrence in her 46 years of running the establishment. She even sent servers home early on the first match-day weekend due to a lack of customers, contrasting sharply with her experiences during Expo ’86 and the 2010 Winter Olympics.
In a May press release, Mayor Ken Sim had characterized hosting FIFA World Cup games as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for immediate economic gains and lasting legacies. While some areas, such as sports bars near Granville Street and official fan zones, experienced high traffic, many other businesses did not see the expected boost.
Andrew Zimbalist, an American sports economist, suggests that the economic benefits of mega-events are often overstated. He explained that host cities might attract soccer fans but simultaneously deter regular visitors who wish to avoid crowds, congestion, increased prices, or security concerns, a phenomenon known as “crowding out.” Media reports of high hotel prices in Vancouver may have discouraged visitors months before the tournament, even though rooms were available.
Karri Green, owner of Chambar, a Belgian restaurant near BC Place, stated that despite hosting screenings and after-parties for Belgium matches and being close to the stadium, the expected rush of customers did not occur. Green estimated that Chambar’s revenues were down by approximately 20 per cent compared to a typical summer period. She also noted that road closures and traffic restrictions, part of the city’s match-day security planning, often had details communicated late, making it difficult for staff to inform customers about access and parking.
Malindi Taylor, director of sales for Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market, described how her staff prepared for an influx of visitors by setting up screens, listing the oyster bar as a watch-party venue, and scheduling additional shifts based on expected visitor numbers from business and industry meetings. However, Taylor confirmed that the anticipated surge did not materialize. She suggested that frequent warnings to locals about potential congestion might have led many to avoid downtown areas. After two quiet weeks, business returned to normal June levels, but without a significant boost from FIFA.
A spokesperson for the Vancouver Host Committee, in an email, clarified that hosting the World Cup was not solely an economic endeavour. They emphasized its role in community building, celebrating soccer, and strengthening partnerships for future major events. The publicly reported costs for Vancouver’s World Cup involvement are projected to be around $700 million, which is higher than most U.S. host cities. Rising costs were primarily attributed to safety and security, estimated at $242 million, partially offset by $100 million in federal funding. The spokesperson indicated that the full benefits, including destination awareness and future business opportunities, would unfold over time, with final cost and benefit assessments expected in spring 2027.
Moshe Lander, a Canadian economist and senior lecturer at Concordia University, observed that the response from officials reflects a shift in how mega-events are justified when immediate economic returns are not evident. He noted that governments often promote these events on economic grounds initially, then later highlight civic pride, celebration, and long-term exposure. While positive reviews of Vancouver as a host city might point to global exposure, Lander questioned whether the spending delivered the promised economic return. He commented that if officials had stated earlier that the event was not primarily an economic exercise, the approach might have been different.
Economists also point out that the structure of the World Cup places much of the financial risk on host cities, as FIFA controls major revenue streams like broadcast rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, and in-stadium advertising, while local governments bear many of the operational costs. During negotiations in 2018, BC and Vancouver briefly withdrew from the process due to concerns about unclear and risky financial terms in FIFA’s contract.
Despite the varied economic impact, some business owners acknowledged the positive atmosphere during match days. Karri Green noted that the World Cup served as a reminder of Canada’s diversity and provided Vancouver with a rare moment of collective joy. She commented that while there might not be economic metrics for this communal aspect, it is “pretty priceless.”
Joël Watanabe, executive chef and owner of Kissa Tanto, Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie, and Meo, reported estimated sales decreases ranging from roughly 10 to 50 per cent across his three establishments, though he also considered broader economic conditions as a factor. Watanabe expressed skepticism about the event’s economic benefits for local businesses, particularly in Chinatown, where he felt visitors were directed away from the area. He viewed the promise of long-term benefits as more political messaging than business reality, preferring transparency about potential economic challenges.
Watanabe argued that Vancouver already attracts visitors due to its natural beauty, including mountains, beaches, and clean water, rather than solely because it hosted a few soccer matches. For restaurants grappling with high rents, property taxes, food costs, and labour pressures, even a brief disruption can be detrimental, as Karri Green highlighted. The hope remains that Vancouver showcased its appeal as a city, but Green added an asterisk regarding its success for local businesses.
Looking Ahead
The city’s efforts to avoid a post-event slump include booking conferences and cultural events that commenced the day after the final whistle was blown at BC Place on July 7.
Read Also
Source: nanaimonewsnow.com
