After the roaring success of two quarter-final and both semi-final matches of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 being hosted at Ashton Gate Stadium, Visit West - the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for Bristol, Bath and the wider region - is reporting a boost to the visitor sector.
More than 92,000 fans from the UK and overseas flocked to Bristol for the matches, many extending their stay to enjoy the city’s hotels, restaurants, shops, heritage and cultural attractions and the buzzing Fan Zone. Their spending delivered a significant uplift for the region and cemented Bristol’s position as a world-class host city for major international sporting events.
As well as the fans who travelled to the city, global influencers also came to enjoy the sporting spectacle and shine a light on Bristol, including USA rugby star and social media icon Ilona Maher (who played for Bristol Bears earlier this year), and former Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern.
Adam Flint, Chair of the Bristol Hoteliers Association says: “The Women’s Rugby World Cup, hosted here in Bristol, has made a tremendous impact on the city’s hospitality industry. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in organising such a special and successful event. While a select number of hotels had the honour of hosting teams throughout the tournament, the benefits were felt across the entire market.
“City-wide, we saw exceptionally high occupancy levels - particularly across the two peak weekends, where occupancy exceeded 90%, and revenues rose by an impressive 20-30%.
It was fantastic to see Bristol showcase itself on the international stage, welcome increased footfall, and thrive during such a prestigious occasion. Here’s to many more world-class events in our city!”
Becs Leach, Head of Tournament, Venue and City Operations for Rugby World Cup adds: “Bristol really got behind the Women’s Rugby World Cup delivering four incredible match days at Ashton Gate Stadium and a lively, inclusive and entertaining Fan Zone in the amphitheatre. All our fans, workforce and teams were treated to a really special welcome in the city, so we want to thank everyone in Bristol for supporting us in making it such a massive success.”
The Fan Zone at Canon’s Marsh Amphitheatre – delivered in partnership with Visit West, Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), Bristol City Council, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and Redcliffe & Temple BID - played a significant part in Bristol’s success as host city.
Compered by former England international Amber Reed and Welsh rising star Jenna De Vera, the Fan Zone featured a large screen showing the matches live and free activities from several local businesses including a mobile climbing wall by Mendip Activity Centre, creative and scientific workshops by We the Curious, ice hockey from Bristol Pitbulls, the Hothouse from Air Giants, Bristol Bears rugby were on site encouraging people to try out their skills and there was a pop-up visitor information point, too.
Sabrina Shutter, Events Project Manager at Bristol City Centre BID says: “I am incredibly proud of what we programmed to create a uniquely Bristol Fan Zone, and I am so thankful for all the support from local businesses who were part of it. We wanted to create something that celebrated Bristol, its culture, music and art, while shining a light on rugby, women in sport, and the power of role models. A space where girls felt welcome to try something new, where international visitors felt the warmth of a true Bristol welcome.”
The Visit Bristol website and social media channels (run by Visit West) were instrumental in informing visitors and locals on travel to and from Ashton Gate Stadium, accommodation, places to eat and how to make the most of a visit to the city for the tournament.
Kathryn Davis, CEO of Visit West says: “We are thrilled at the success of hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Bristol this September. From the initial bid to host which began back in 2021, to delivering a buzzing Fan Zone, creating a viral social media video showcasing Bristol and producing a hub with invaluable content on the Visit Bristol website, it has been a team effort throughout. Our collaborative approach involving Visit West’s LVEP and Bristol’s Business Improvement Districts, together with Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol City Council, Rugby World Cup and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, has shown how Bristol can host major international sporting events successfully.
“It was a pleasure to meet visitors at the Fan Zone and at the matches, from the USA, Germany, France, New Zealand, Canada and beyond - many new to Bristol - as well as locals inspired to return to the city centre during the World Cup. Feedback from local businesses who have seen a boost during the start of September has also been hugely encouraging. With strong international audiences and viewing figures, Bristol is firmly on the map for global sport, and we look forward to hosting six matches of the ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup in Bristol next year and to bidding for and working with future major tournaments.”
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