Diminished excitement over the upcoming FIFA World Cup is worrying the hospitality industry. Commercial real estate data company CoStar reports that while hotels in the 16 host markets expect a 13% revenue boost, attitudes around the event are “souring.” “As the tournament approaches,” CoStar reporter Trever Simpson writes, “it appears likely that FIFA won’t use nearly as many rooms as anticipated, which will leave hoteliers scrambling.” In the Seattle area alone, the six matches in June and July are projected to generate almost $1 billion in economic impact, but CoStar notes that hoteliers say they’re “less bullish” amid “lackluster” sales that are falling short of expectations. A tourism report from YouGov, in fact, shows that Canada is a more appealing World Cup destination than the U.S. Only 15% of Americans usually watch FIFA World Cup matches.
