World Cup Boosts Tourism and Economic Activity in Greater Boston

WHO:

Waltham Times - Michael Morse, owner of John Brewer’s Tavern, noted an increase in takeout orders around game times.

Waltham Times - Rosealine Sarkissian, bartender at Joco’s Bar and Kitchen, reported an influx of international customers, including many from Scotland and Ireland.

Waltham Times - Georgette Bezio, director of sales and marketing at Hampton Inn & Suites Boston Waltham, noted that the hotel welcomed a diverse mix of guests, including families, international visitors, sports fans, media specific to the French national soccer team, and business travelers.

Waltham Times - Coco Fernandez, owner of Mobar Cuts, expressed that cutting the hair of French team players was a huge opportunity for his brand and team.

Waltham Times - Coco Fernandez, owner of Mobar Cuts, was invited to cut the hair of French team players, including Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.

Waltham Times - Michael Morse, owner of John Brewer’s Tavern

Waltham Times - Rosealine Sarkissian, bartender at Joco’s Bar and Kitchen

Waltham Times - Georgette Bezio, director of sales and marketing at Hampton Inn & Suites Boston Waltham

Waltham Times - Coco Fernandez, owner of Mobar Cuts

WGBH - Cliff Dever, owner of Warehouse Kitchen + Sports Bar

WGBH - Lauren Johnson, senior manager at High Street Place food hall

WGBH - Norvia Peña, owner of Fort Hill Bar & Grill

WHAT:

Waltham Times - John Brewer’s Tavern experienced an overall increase in business during off-peak times due to 3 p.m. games.

Waltham Times - The presence of the French national team at Bentley University brought a diverse mix of international visitors to Waltham, including guests in kilts and jerseys from Norway and Morocco.

WGBH - The first four days of the World Cup were the busiest for Warehouse Kitchen + Sports Bar since its opening in 2013.

WGBH - Boston restaurants and bars experienced a 28% increase in consumer spending during the opening two weeks of the World Cup, the highest among host cities.

WGBH - The first four days of the World Cup were reported as the busiest for Warehouse Kitchen + Sports Bar since its opening in 2013.

Waltham Times - The Hampton Inn & Suites Boston Waltham reported that hotel occupancy across Waltham declined by approximately 7% compared to the same month last year, while the average daily rate increased by approximately 13%.

WGBH - According to Airbnb, Greater Boston was among the top areas nationwide for new hosts during the tournament.

Waltham Times - Waltham experienced an increase in customers at local bars and restaurants since the FIFA World Cup began.

Waltham Times - John Brewer’s Tavern saw an increase in takeout orders around game times.

Waltham Times - Hotel occupancy in Waltham declined by approximately 7% compared to the same month last year, while the average daily rate increased by approximately 13%.

Waltham Times - The Hampton Inn & Suites reported no increase in overall hotel revenues despite higher rates.

WGBH - The World Cup led to a more than 20% increase in both average hotel room rates and revenue per available room in Greater Boston.

WGBH - Boston restaurants and bars saw a 28% increase in consumer spending during the opening two weeks of the World Cup.

WGBH - 447,300 people attended the soccer matches at Gillette Stadium.

WHERE:

Waltham Times - Bentley University served as a "home away from home" for the French national team.

Waltham Times - Waltham, Massachusetts

Waltham Times - Hampton Inn & Suites Boston Waltham

Waltham Times - Bentley University

WGBH - Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

WGBH - High Street Place food hall, Boston, Massachusetts

WHEN:

WGBH - The quarterfinal match on July 9 saw Boston rank first among host cities for Airbnb searches, which increased by 182%.

WHY:

Waltham Times - Many corporate accounts and group events shifted their meetings and travel plans away from the Boston area due to anticipated increased demand and pricing around FIFA.

Waltham Times - Many corporate accounts and group events scheduled far in advance shifted their meetings and travel plans away from the Boston area in anticipation of increased demand and pricing around FIFA.

Waltham Times - Many corporate accounts and group events shifted their meetings and travel plans away from the Boston area in anticipation of increased demand and pricing around FIFA.

WGBH - The influx of tourists and spending during the World Cup is expected to increase local tax revenue and stimulate the region’s economy.

HOW:

WGBH - High Street Place food hall hosted events like a soccer shootout and had DJs and a mariachi band perform for patrons, catering to fans from across the world.

WGBH - High Street Place food hall catered to fans with specialty menus and hosted events like a soccer shootout, along with performances by DJs and a mariachi band.

Waltham Times - The Hampton Inn & Suites Boston Waltham ensured that French-speaking staff members were on-site to support international visitors.

Waltham Times - The Hampton Inn & Suites added festive decorations and expanded food and beverage offerings to cater to international visitors.

WGBH - High Street Place catered to fans with specialty menus and hosted events like a soccer shootout and performances by DJs and a mariachi band.

Waltham is buzzing with excitement as local businesses report a surge in activity thanks to the presence of the French national team at Bentley University, with John Brewer’s Tavern seeing a notable increase in takeout orders during game times. Bartender Rosealine Sarkissian at Joco’s Bar and Kitchen has welcomed a wave of international customers, including many from Scotland and Ireland, while the first four days of the World Cup have proven to be the busiest for Warehouse Kitchen + Sports Bar since it opened in 2013. To keep the energy high, High Street Place food hall has been hosting events like a soccer shootout, featuring DJs and a mariachi band to entertain fans from around the globe.