New York, United States. Hours before the World Cup kickoff, the expected boost to travel and tourism tied to the tournament has not yet materialized, with hotels and flights in host markets reporting weaker-than-anticipated demand. Industry figures say high prices, visa hurdles and complex travel logistics have limited the usual influx of international fans.
Weaker demand in host cities
For years, the tournament had been expected to deliver a windfall for the U.S. travel industry, which is now facing declining international visitors amid what rights groups describe as a climate of fear.
The large numbers of fans hotels had anticipated have not yet arrived, prompting many properties to lower room rates. Flight bookings have also declined as ticket prices have risen sharply. Expensive match tickets have further constrained demand, while industry analysts say enthusiasm has been more subdued than at past World Cups.
Traditional travel pattern under strain
The weak start indicates that the traditional World Cup travel model, which usually depends on international supporters traveling long distances and spending heavily to follow their teams, is under pressure. Analysts say costs, visa barriers and the difficulty of attending matches across 16 host cities in three countries have discouraged travel.
Domestic travelers in the United States, where soccer is less popular than in Europe, have not made up for the shortfall.
New York hotel forecast reduced
“It is overall a disappointment. There’s no other word that I can say,” said Vijay Dandapani, CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City.
The association has reduced its forecast for hotel room revenue related to the World Cup by 60% to about $60 million, he said.
FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
European flight bookings decline
Flight bookings from Europe into most host cities for June and July are down an average of 3.8% year-over-year, according to Cirium, even after Europeans had already reduced travel to the United States last year.
Bookings from Europe into New York, which will host the July 19 final, have fallen 15.8%, Cirium said.
FIFA had projected that 1.2 million fans would come to the city, but Dandapani said the New York hotel association is expecting 500,000.
He added that there has recently been a small increase in bookings from fans in the United Kingdom and Norway, describing it as a positive sign.
