‘They had hyped us up so much’: Seattle businesses near World Cup stadium report declining sales
Summary
Businesses in Seattle expected a big boost from hosting matches for the FIFA Men’s World Cup, but the results are mixed. While some places saw more customers on game days, overall visitor numbers to Seattle may be lower than usual due to higher travel costs, tough immigration rules, and fewer international tourists.Key Facts
- Seattle hosted FIFA Men’s World Cup matches, culminating in a knockout game between the U.S. and Belgium.
- Some local businesses, like the George & Dragon Pub, reported big increases in customers during match days.
- Seattle’s tourism board initially predicted $929 million in economic benefits but later lowered the estimate to $845.6 million.
- Travel costs rose due to the US-Israeli war on Iran and many hotel rooms booked by FIFA reducing availability.
- Immigration enforcement and President Donald Trump’s tough policies led to fewer tourists from Canada and banned countries, including Iran and Senegal.
- Flight bookings to Seattle showed mixed data, with some reports of decline and airport officials reporting a small increase in travelers.
- Some business owners feel the World Cup hype was overstated and wait to see the overall impact once the event ends.
- Seattle’s economy also faces challenges from ongoing tech industry layoffs, complicating the effects of the World Cup.
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