Toronto sees limited economic lift after FIFA hosting duties
Toronto World Cup hosting brought only a modest boost to local spending See what the early payment data reveals about costs, visitors, and impact
Toronto’s official FIFA World Cup hosting duties are ending, and early data suggests the tournament delivered only modest economic benefits for the city.
Payment data from Moneris covering June 12 to 26 showed that restaurant and bar spending in Toronto rose 3% from the same period last year. Spending by international visitors increased more sharply, but the overall boost remained relatively small.
The article also notes that major hosting costs were carried by governments and taxpayers, while experts said large sports events often benefit organizing bodies more than host cities. FIFArelated fan events will continue in Toronto even though the city is done hosting matches.