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 arent seeing the numbers they expected.
The start of the international soccer tournament is exactly one week away, and its 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 arent 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 hasnt 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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More than 4 million fewer Canadians visited the U.S. â 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
— (@oceancalm.bsky.social) 2026-06-06T23:43:21.868Z
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Dave Bowman
(7,548 posts)🖕
ret5hd
(22,653 posts)yeah, high prices. thats it, not telling/demonstrating to the world that they arent safe here.
dave99
(338 posts)and shitstain alive ?
FakeNoose
(42,702 posts)... 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)"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 presidencyand the associated hostile perception toward allies and strict immigration/entry policiesas 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....