Toronto Did Not Gain Much from World Cup

Fan activities will continue until the World Cup ends on July 19.

Toronto's World Cup hosting is ending, and data shows the city did not gain much economically in the first two weeks.

The World Cup model is the main reason for this. Former Toronto mayor David Miller said big sports organizations like FIFA make the most money, while host cities pay the costs.

Miller said FIFA is like a business that makes sure hosts pay all the costs.

Canada's World Cup hosting cost $1.066 billion. Toronto spent $380 million for six games, and Vancouver spent $578 million for seven games.

Despite the costs, Miller said hosting the World Cup is worth it because it brings excitement and joy to the city.

The World Cup will cost Canadians $1 billion.

Toronto will not host any more World Cup matches, but FIFA events will continue.

Canada still has one more World Cup game to host in Vancouver on July 7.

Data from June 12 to 26 shows that restaurant and bar spending in Toronto rose by only 3% compared to last year.

International visitors spent 34% more at restaurants and bars during this time.

Soccer fans did not spend as much as Taylor Swift fans when she came to Toronto.

Toronto hotels were emptier during the first two weeks of the World Cup than last year.

There was a 12% increase in restaurant spending with debit and credit cards during the World Cup.

Hotels in Toronto saw an 18% increase in debit and credit card spending during the first two weeks of the World Cup.

Sporting events like the World Cup are not fair to host cities, said Tyeshia Redden, a professor at the University of Toronto.

Montreal decided not to host the World Cup because of the costs.

These events can be disruptive for visitors and residents, said Redden.

Visiting World Cup fans like Toronto and think it is a great city.

Miller said cities should have negotiated a better deal with FIFA.

You cannot justify the costs of hosting the World Cup financially, said Miller.

The financial benefits of hosting the World Cup go to the provincial and federal governments, not to cities.

Toronto and the province disagree about who should pay for the World Cup.

Redden said host nations often justify hosting the World Cup by saying it will bring in tourism, but this may not be a good reason.

Redden said Toronto is already a well-known city, so hosting the World Cup may not make a big difference.

Redden said the city may have seen the same growth in spending if it had done other projects instead of hosting the World Cup.

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