Bristol's Women's Rugby World Cup Brings £47.7M Boost

Bristol just proved that investing in women's sports delivers massive returns for entire communities.

The city hosted four Women's Rugby World Cup matches last September, and the results are in. A World Rugby impact report shows those games generated £47.7 million for Bristol's economy, more than any other host city except London.

Over 92,000 fans traveled to Ashton Gate Stadium for two quarterfinal and both semifinal matches. Many visitors extended their stays to explore Bristol's restaurants, shops, cultural attractions, and the tournament's buzzing Fan Zone.

The breakdown tells a story of a city coming alive. Fans spent £3.6 million at local restaurants and bars, £3 million on shopping and merchandise, and £7 million on accommodation alone. Transportation and entertainment added millions more as visitors made Bristol their temporary home.

Local hotels saw incredible results during those match weekends. The Bristol Hoteliers Association reported 90 percent occupancy and a 30 percent revenue increase compared to typical September weekends.

What made Bristol stand out? Larger visitor numbers and more international attendees than other host cities meant more money flowing through the local economy. The city beat the average economic impact across all host cities by £10.9 million.

The Ripple Effect

Bristol's success extends far beyond one tournament's balance sheet. The city is now cementing its reputation as a world class venue for major sporting events, which means more opportunities ahead.

This summer, Bristol will host matches for the ICC T20 Women's Cricket World Cup. Only three cities, Bristol, London, and Manchester, earned the distinction of hosting two world cups in consecutive years.

The tournament also sparked unprecedented interest in women's rugby across the region. Young girls watching the Red Roses and other national teams now see themselves in those players, picking up rugby balls and joining local clubs.

Bristol City Council's deputy leader Heather Mack highlighted how the event tapped into the city's sporting passion. Thousands of Bristolians showed up to prove their city belongs on the biggest sporting stages.

Visit West CEO Kathryn Davis credits the success to collaboration between local tourism organizations, Bristol Business Improvement District, Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol City Council, and regional authorities working together.

Bristol showed the world that backing women's sports means backing entire communities.