Vancouver Businesses Reflect on Impact of FIFA World Cup
As the FIFA World Cup fades into the past, new information is emerging about its effect on businesses in Vancouver. Recent data from TouchBistro shows that restaurant sales increased by three percent during the World Cup period. However, Vancouver and Toronto didn’t see a greater advantage compared to other Canadian cities, experiencing the same average sales growth across the country.
A representative from TouchBistro noted that although the tournament took place in 16 cities, its influence was felt in local restaurants equipped with TVs. Interestingly, sales on weekdays—specifically from Monday to Wednesday—surged by 12 to 19 percent, compared to the weeks leading up to the event. In contrast, weekends saw little change in sales.
Before the tournament began, many businesses were optimistic about the potential economic boost. A survey conducted by VistaPrint among 334 small businesses in Vancouver and Toronto found that 64 percent anticipated a positive impact from the World Cup, expecting increased foot traffic and sales.
Erin Shea, the Marketing Director for VistaPrint, stated, “Businesses were really excited about FIFA. The reaction felt very genuine.” However, experiences shared during the tournament told a different story. Some restaurants reported disappointing sales despite their high hopes.
Chef Chanthy Yen, who owns Touk and Mee Bar at Time Out Market, mentioned that he noticed a decline in customers at his downtown restaurant. He reflected, “We expected something completely different. We thought FIFA would draw more customers, especially given the vibrant culinary scene in Vancouver.”
Instead, he observed that crowds were more concentrated in lively areas of downtown, particularly in the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone, where fans gathered to celebrate.
While many restaurants reported flat or declining business, others thrived. For instance, Ray’s, located near a popular outdoor patio destination, welcomed larger groups of fans on game days. Shea commented that there was a mix of results for businesses during this period, with some flourishing while others faced challenges.
Tourism experts suggest that the true benefits of hosting such major events like FIFA may manifest in the long term. The worldwide exposure could attract future visitors looking to explore Vancouver.
Interestingly, Vancouver’s Underground Comedy Club reported a revenue drop during the World Cup festivities. Meanwhile, Destination BC has projected that the visibility from hosting FIFA could generate an additional $1 billion in tourism revenue for the province between 2026 and 2031.
In terms of spending on game days, data from Visa highlighted that Vancouver experienced a significant increase in spending, particularly during its first match, Australia versus Türkiye, which saw a 12.7 percent rise. Another notable increase was seen during Canada’s match against Qatar, with a 4.9 percent boost in spending. Visa emphasized how such major sporting events can create temporary “pop-up economies” driven by increased consumer spending and international visitors.
Overall, the impact of the World Cup on Vancouver businesses highlighted a mix of successes and challenges, reflecting varied experiences across the city.
