Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance announces local economic impact from hosting FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™

The Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance released a report today indicating that Ottawa received $28.6 million in overall economic activity as a result of hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ in June.

The report also indicated that Ottawa benefited from $5.8 million in direct GDP (Gross Domestic Product) impacts for the local economy as a result of the event.

“Hosting this prestigious sporting event has elevated Ottawa’s international profile and showcased the many attributes that make our city an amazing place to live and visit,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ generated significant tourism revenues for the local economy and clearly demonstrated to the world that Ottawa is well-positioned to host these types of events in the future.”

Ottawa was one of six Official Host Cities across the country that hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ between June 6 and July 5, 2015. In Ottawa, more than 270 volunteers worked to ensure that it was a success.

“There is a lasting legacy to events like this that goes beyond dollars and cents. Ottawa now has three amazing training fields that meet FIFA Quality Pro specifications for all current and future residents to enjoy,” said Innes Ward Councillor Jody Mitic. “As Sports Commissioner, I am committed to continuing to work hard to help our city continue to attract and invest in these types of world-class events.”

“The Ottawa venue was a significant success in that it exceeded the revenue and spectator goals, with a 95 per cent attendance rate over the six match days resulting in a total attendance of 189,460,” said Peter Montopoli, Chief Executive Officer of the National Organizing Committee of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ and General Secretary of Canada Soccer.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014™ supported $493.6 million in economic activity for Canada – exceeding the preliminary projections of $337 million made in February 2014 by 46 per cent.

The total initial expenditure for both events nationwide was $216 million, which generated $249 million in net economic activity (Gross Domestic Product) with $97.6 million in tax revenues supported across the country. Of the $97.6 million in tax revenues supported, $46 million accrued to the federal government, $36.7 million to the provincial governments and $14.9 million to the official host cities.

Nationally, the FIFA’s events were an immense success with a total attendance of more than 1.35 million spectators – a new total attendance record for a FIFA competition, besides the FIFA World Cup™.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ was part of the City’s continuing _ Bid More, Win More, Host More _ economic development initiative.