Vancouver Island tourism groups don’t expect economic boom from FIFA World Cup

Despite speculation that the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup could be an economic boon for communities surrounding host cities, Vancouver Island tourism groups say they don’t anticipate a major increase in visitors.

Destination Greater Victoria (DGV) said the international soccer tournament will likely have limited direct impact on the region.

“Greater Victoria is already a very successful year-round tourism destination with a successful strategy,” DGV Paul Nursey said in a statement to CTV News.

“By staying focused on our strengths, we are not vulnerable to the vagaries of global mega events which have a mixed track record for delivering on their tourism promises.”

DGV said Greater Victoria’s hotel occupancy rate in April was nearly 86 per cent. Nursery said that statistic is a harbinger of a strong summer ahead, with or without the World Cup.

Tourism Nanaimo spokesperson Karly Upshall said the organization never anticipated major spillover from Vancouver, which is hosting seven matches.

Three weeks ahead of the tournament, Upshall said there’s little evidence of trickle-down tourism.

“We’re in a key position to catch overflow should Vancouverites want to leave the city during the game period or to capture travellers looking to expand their trips, but so far our forecasting is not showing much movement,” Upshall said in a statement.

While tourism operators may not experience a big World Cup bump, Hullo Ferries said it’s already seeing a boost.

The passenger-only ferry service added sailings to its route between downtown Vancouver and downtown Nanaimo for June.

“They are the most busy ticket sale days so far in June. We’re anticipating sellouts,” said Hullo Ferries’ sales director Xander France.

With a spotlight on B.C., Tourism Vancouver Island President Brian Cant said he wants to capitalize on the marketing opportunity.

“What we really want to do is raise the shoulder season up,” he said. “That is a collective effort for the entire industry in the province, really trying to focus on inviting people to come at quieter times of the year.”