US hotel industry leaders are attributing a decrease in bookings for the World Cup to a ‘Trump Slump’. Major locations like Boston, where England will face Ghana on June 23, have not experienced the anticipated economic upturn from the event due to a reported decline in international travel to the US.
Hospitality experts are expressing skepticism about a last-minute surge in international fans visiting the US for the World Cup, citing current travel challenges. One hotel executive disclosed that reserved World Cup room blocks have been relinquished without any bookings.
Industry analysts are expressing less optimism regarding hotel performance during the World Cup. Concerns have been raised about the limited demand for reserved room blocks, with only 15 percent of FIFA’s reserved rooms being utilized.
Criticism has been directed at the high costs of tickets and accommodations by fans’ groups, noting the absence of fan events in some host cities. The Football Supporters Association (FSA) described the World Cup expenses, including exorbitant final ticket prices, as unaffordable for the average supporter.
The FSA, representing approximately 600,000 UK supporters, has expressed dismay over escalating costs associated with the World Cup. Train fares to the Boston venue, where England will play Ghana, have surged from $20 to $80.
Long-time England supporter Garford Beck, who has attended every World Cup since 1980, highlighted the financial strain on working-class fans due to rising costs of match tickets and merchandise. He emphasized the challenges faced by dedicated fans who are being priced out of the game.
Plans for an event in New Jersey have been canceled.
