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riversedge

(81,844 posts)
Sat Jun 6, 2026, 07:44 PM 11 hrs ago

80% of Boston hotels report slower bookings for World Cup amid high ticket prices

Source: msn.com


Story by Eleanor Tolbert • 1h •


Despite promises that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would bring increased tourism to 11 cities across the U.S., some aren’t seeing the numbers they expected.

The start of the international soccer tournament is exactly one week away, and it’s had its fair share of controversy surrounding ticket pricing. When tickets first went on sale in September, fans were expected to pay exorbitant prices to secure their spot at one of the 104 matches.


Now, as time until the opening ceremony dwindles, tickets are still available across several platforms. And hotels in the host cities aren’t seeing the traffic they were promised.


Hotels report reservation shortfalls

One of those cities is Boston, which is hosting seven matches between June 13 and July 9. CBS News reports 80% of hotels say their bookings are falling short of seasonal averages.


International travelers aren't showing up

Not only that, but international travel hasn’t shown up in the way FIFA thought. FIFA told host cities that the tournament would have a projected economic impact of $30.5 billion, Fortune reported. The organization also anticipated there would be a 50/50 international-domestic split in attendees.....................

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Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/fifa_world_cup/80-of-boston-hotels-report-slower-bookings-for-world-cup-amid-high-ticket-prices/ar-AA250dgx?ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=c0f6b0c671764645fbffa1d0102638fc&ei=14&cvpid=69e0336b8482434bc3dea50df81ee088







More than 4 million fewer Canadians visited the U.S. — a 21% drop from 20 million in 2024, while tourism from Venezuela and Denmark were among the most significant declines with 21% and 24% respectively

www.msn.com/en-us/sports...

(@oceancalm.bsky.social) 2026-06-06T23:43:21.868Z
7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
80% of Boston hotels report slower bookings for World Cup amid high ticket prices (Original Post) riversedge 11 hrs ago OP
We all know who we have to thank: Dave Bowman 11 hrs ago #1
"...amid high ticket prices." ret5hd 11 hrs ago #2
Why would _anyone_ come to the US with shitstain's ICE working ? dave99 10 hrs ago #3
Well of course they aren't coming here ... they'd be crazy to come here FakeNoose 10 hrs ago #4
Same goes for Philly....... BigmanPigman 8 hrs ago #5
Tsk Tsk! Aussie105 5 hrs ago #6
EVERYTHING THAT ASSHOLE TOUCHES DIES... AZ8theist 41 min ago #7

ret5hd

(22,653 posts)
2. "...amid high ticket prices."
Sat Jun 6, 2026, 08:21 PM
11 hrs ago

yeah, high prices. that’s it, not telling/demonstrating to the world that they aren’t safe here.

FakeNoose

(42,702 posts)
4. Well of course they aren't coming here ... they'd be crazy to come here
Sat Jun 6, 2026, 09:24 PM
10 hrs ago

... even if they could afford the ridiculous cost. Most of them can't afford it, and neither can most Americans. These ticket prices are ridiculous.

When Chump was elected, FIFA should have moved the entire thing to Canada, or else cancelled the playoffs altogether. They didn't do the sensible thing, and now they're sorry. I really hope FIFA people get fired over this.

BigmanPigman

(55,677 posts)
5. Same goes for Philly.......
Sat Jun 6, 2026, 10:55 PM
8 hrs ago

"Overview of the Philadelphia SituationLagging Bookings: According to data from the American Hotel & Lodging Association...

Nearly 80% of hotels in U.S. host cities report bookings below expectations. In Philadelphia, roughly 75% of hoteliers report occupancy paces running behind typical seasonal demand.

FIFA Cancellations: FIFA block-booked massive inventories early on, artificially inflating expected demand. They have since dropped 2,000 of their reserved hotel rooms in Philadelphia to right-size their operational blocks.

Matches: Philadelphia will host six matches at the renamed Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field), five group stage matches and a Round of 16 knockout match on July 4, 2026.

Tickets start from around $262.The Political and Economic FactorsVisa and Entry Concerns: Unpredictable entry processes, potential border scrutiny of international visitors' social media, and strict policies are leading to a drop in international travel demand.

The "Trump Factor": Geopolitical anxieties are playing a notable role in dampening enthusiasm. For example, some dedicated European "superfans" have openly cited Donald Trump's return to the presidency—and the associated hostile perception toward allies and strict immigration/entry policies—as their reason for skipping the tournament entirely.

Taxes and Pricing: High ticket prices combined with a proposed 2% hike in the city's hotel tax (pushed by Mayor Cherelle Parker to address shelter beds) and steep inflation mean fewer international tourists are making the trip.

For an analysis of how US World Cup ticket prices, hotel rates, and the political climate are impacting the tourism market:11mThis Hotel Across From A FIFA Stadium Had ZERO Bookings And The Owner....

Aussie105

(8,250 posts)
6. Tsk Tsk!
Sun Jun 7, 2026, 01:47 AM
5 hrs ago

The promised flood of tourist gold isn't eventuating?

Heavens!

What could the problem possibly be?

Some Deep Thinkers need to ponder this situation!

AZ8theist

(7,706 posts)
7. EVERYTHING THAT ASSHOLE TOUCHES DIES...
Sun Jun 7, 2026, 07:01 AM
41 min ago

Now add the World Cup to his list of "accomplishments"....

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