News / Hospitality
Women’s Rugby World Cup delivers £15m boost to Bristol economy
Bristol is still riding high from the Red Roses’ World Cup triumph, with the tournament generating some £15m windfall for the city’s economy.
Visit West, the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for Bristol, Bath and the wider region, reported that more than 92,000 fans from across the UK and abroad travelled to the city for two quarter finals and both semi finals at Ashton Gate Stadium.
It is reported that many extended their stay to enjoy Bristol’s hotels, restaurants, shops, cultural attractions and the fan zone at Canon’s Marsh Amphitheatre.
The surge in visitor numbers saw citywide hotel occupancy surpass 90 per cent, with revenues rising by up to 30 per cent.
Fan Zone at Cannon Marsh was a focal point during the tournament – photo: Rob Browne
Bristol also welcomed some bona fide international influencers, including the rugby superstar Ilona Maher and Jacinda Ardern, former prime minister of New Zealand, further boosting the city’s profile during the tournament.
Adam Flint, chair of the Bristol Hoteliers Association, said: “The Women’s Rugby World Cup, hosted here in Bristol, has made a tremendous impact on the city’s hospitality industry.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in organising such a special and successful event. While a select number of hotels had the honour of hosting teams throughout the tournament, the benefits were felt across the entire market.”
The surge in visitor numbers saw citywide hotel occupancy go pass 90 per cent, with revenues rising by up to 30 per cent – photo: Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
The Fan Zone, delivered in partnership with Visit West, Bristol City Centre BID, Bristol City Council, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and Redcliffe & Temple BID, became a focal point of activities during the tournament.
Hosted by England international Amber Reed and Welsh star Jenna De Vera, it offered live screenings, music and family-friendly activities from local businesses, creating what the organisers described as a “uniquely Bristol” atmosphere.
Kathryn Davis, chief executive of Visit West, said: “We are thrilled at the success of hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Bristol this September. From the initial bid in 2021 to delivering a buzzing Fan Zone and creating viral content showcasing the city, it has been a team effort throughout.
“Our collaborative approach has shown how Bristol can host major international sporting events successfully. With strong international audiences and record crowds, Bristol is firmly on the map for global sport.”
Some 92,000 people from around the UK and abroad visited Bristol during the tournament – photo: Betty Woolerton
According to the organisers, the boost generated by the World Cup is expected to set a precedent for future sporting events, which includes the ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup in 2026.
Sabrina Shutter, events project manager at Bristol City Centre BID, said: “I am incredibly proud of what we programmed to create a uniquely Bristol Fan Zone, and I am so thankful for all the support from local businesses who were part of it.
It is reported that many extended their stay to enjoy Bristol’s hotels, restaurants, shops and cultural attractions – photo: Milan Perera
“We wanted to create something that celebrated Bristol, its culture, music and art, while shining a light on rugby, women in sport, and the power of role models. ”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
