A guidebook writer recently told me “it’s a well documented fact that people don’t travel during the World Cup.” There was no source given for the claim, but this conversation took place while sitting in a nearly empty hostel.
Have you guys noticed a drop in occupancy during the games or are they working in your favor to encourage people to stay and play with their friends?
14 years
Occupancy levels very much normal here and people are enjoying the World Cup on the big screens in town.
However, South African hostels could be having a bad time now. We had our worst ever August by far during the 2004 Olympics in Athens. People presumed that there would be rip-off prices at the time - in Athens there were but not elsewhere.
14 years
Haven't noticed any difference here to business. I doubt that a significant number of people change their travel plans due to football. People certainly want to watch it, but I think are happy to do so wherever they are.
10 years
How did this year go for everyone during the World Cup? Did your occupancy climb, drop, or stay even with the past years?
Our July has been slower than usual with significantly fewer backpackers than in the past. This may be a result of the World Cup, or it may be totally unrelated. It will be interesting to see if we get a flood of bookings now that the games are over or if the booking will continue at the same pace for the rest of the month.
What was your experience this year?
10 years
We're down on occupancy, but I think this is mainly due to winter and poor job availability than the World Cup. I definitely think people move around less during this time though (especially as here in Aus, the games were at ridiculous times, 3am etc). Sleepy backpackers don't like moving around ;)
10 years
I think there needs to be a distinction between backpackers, and those just taking a holiday.
If your hostel appeals to backpackers who are on a 6-12 month working holiday, then I doubt you will little change. But if your hostel appeals to the casual traveller who is doing a few weeks to a few months holiday, then I think you would probably feel the WC on the business, especially if you're located in a secondary city. This also depends on how far your country is from the host nation, and the actual host nation!!
Some countries in Asia and Africa would probably feel the WC affecting their business, and probably other places. It also depends if your country is one of those top 10 tourist countries - you're unlikely to feel the effect that much.
What is more exciting, seeing Brazil play for the WC in Brazil, or seeing Qatar play for the WC in Qatar? I don't think the Russian or Qatar WCs will be that exciting.
Robert
10 years
Just a quick follow-up: our bookings did pick up right after the World Cup ended.
We are most definitely in a secondary city, and we do have a lot of Erasmus/study abroad students and vacation travelers as guests. I suppose it will take another 4 years before I can say whether this is really a trend or just a coincidence for us.
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