The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in Mexico City on June 11th and has dominated the international airwaves ever since. Of course, coverage of fixtures, match results, and player injuries have been frequent and far-reaching, but the impact of the tournament on small businesses and throughout the hospitality sector at large has also garnered major attention.
Host countries, USA, Canada, and Mexico, are far from the only countries experiencing economic benefits thanks to this massive football event. According to El País, the World Cup is expected to have “a $41 billion impact on global GDP [and will create approximately] 824,000 jobs.”
You’ve likely noticed locals bars teaming with sports fans, all dressed up in their jerseys. Properties located in the 48 participating nations, particularly those based in major cities, have been hotspots for both locals and tourists to stay and soak up the atmosphere. Although the same can be said, admittedly to a lesser extent, for non-participating countries such as Ireland. While we may not have qualified, our island is home to an enormous number of football fans, eager to meet up with friends and family in shared, public spaces to enjoy the matches. With such a major event happening only once every four years, it’s worth getting creative with a view to entice sports fans to visit your business. It’s not as though the opportunity rears its head every day. Or every year, for that matter!
When it comes to boosting gift card sales, why not offer vouchers for post-match meals at a discounted rate? Or perhaps the offer might include a complimentary bottle of wine to toast the victors. Guarantee your onsite bar or restaurant will show the matches, encouraging patrons to spend the afternoon at your property rather than stray further afield. In the Northern Hemisphere, kid are officially on their summer holidays! As a result, vouchers for family stays that integrate outdoor football-themed activities and games will go down a treat.
In terms of more general sales tactics, consider offering two-for-one cocktails for those wearing the winning team’s jersey for the hour following match completion. Or perhaps, display two jars with the competing teams’ names and encourage diners to place their table number in whichever one corresponds with their suspected winner. Then, once the match is over, draw a random number from the jar of the victor and award the successful table with a free dessert. This is the type of game-ified strategy that spreads quickly though word-of-mouth, and will encourage patrons to return with friends and family in tow, increasing customer spend and guest loyalty.
Lean into the excitement of this global event by throwing yourself in head(er) first. With so many international football fans, you’re guaranteed to garner traction, attention, and summer sales!
Not already utilising the In1 Solutions gift card system? To set up your very own bespoke gifting platform, contact us on sales@in1solutions.com. Our gifting platform is the perfect fit for accommodation providers, hotel groups, restaurants, retailers, large shopping malls, furniture stores, adventure experience outlets, and more.