News / Hospitality
Bristol hoteliers welcome Rugby World Cup boost
After a few challenging years, Bristol’s hoteliers say they are “already feeling like winners” weeks ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2025, as Ashton Gate Stadium prepares to host two quarter-finals and both semi-finals this September — traditionally a quieter period for the leisure industry.
“The summer is being extended, which is a welcome boost to our businesses,” said Adam Flint, chair of the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA).
“Having four key World Cup fixtures in Bristol will help put our city on the world map and hopefully encourage even more people to visit and to enjoy its excellent hospitality.”
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is expected to add further momentum to what has already been a strong summer for the city’s hospitality sector – photo: Rob Browne
With ongoing sunny weather and major attractions like the International Balloon Fiesta and the Oasis reunion concerts in nearby Cardiff drawing in guests, the World Cup matches — taking place from September 13 to 20 — add further momentum to what has already been a strong summer for the city’s hospitality sector.
With the growing popularity of the sport, the 26,000-seat capacity at Ashton Gate is expected to be snapped up by rugby enthusiasts.
No tickets? No worries — the accompanying free, festival-style Fan Zone at Bristol Amphitheatre has the capacity of hosting 2,000 fans one time.
The two weekends are expected to attract extra 100,000 visitors to the city.
Ashton Gate — home to both Bristol City FC and Bristol Bears — will take centre stage as it hosts the tournament’s most crucial fixtures outside the final, with hopes high that England’s Red Roses will feature in the semi-finals.
Ashton Gate Stadium prepares to host two quarter-finals and both semi-finals this September – photo: MJ Ballooning
The England squad, featuring Bristol Bears stars hooker Lark Atkin-Davies, props Sarah Bern and Hannah Botterman, lock Abbie Ward, and fly-half Holly Aitchison, is sure to ignite even greater excitement for the tournament, with local venues buzzing with support for the Red Roses.
Flint added: “We are very grateful for this extra business and hope that it will mean more people become aware of everything our amazing city has to offer, so the benefits of the World Cup to our businesses will be felt long after the final whistle is blown.”
After a few challenging years, Bristol’s hoteliers say they are “already feeling like winners” weeks ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2025 – photo: Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
Ashton Gate will host quarter-finals on September 13 and 14, and the two semi-finals on September 19 and 20, with the final taking place at Twickenham on September 27.
Main photo: BHA
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