How the Rugby World Cup 2023 could benefit France
The economic impact of France’s successful Rugby World Cup 2023 bid has been scrutinised today, and generally expected to be positive.
France won out over South Africa this week to be awarded the rights as host of the Cup, which will take place in September and October 2023.
And yet, this move reportedly cost the sport - or more precisely, the French Rugby Federation (la Fédération française de rugby (FFR)) - €407 million, of which €171 million went towards the right to hold the event, and €236 million towards tournament fees.
The sport must “prove its promises will translate into revenue”, warned French newspaper Le Monde today.
While the funds are guaranteed by the CDC and la Société Générale, the economic impact on the nation as a whole - and whether the event will be “worth it” for France - has been considered.
A recent study by accounting and services giant Deloitte - ordered by the FFR - into the economic impact, was published in May, and actually predicted generally positive results.
The event is likely to create or support 17,000 jobs, and and “a [positive] global impact of €1.9 billion to €2.4 billion,” the report read.
In addition, the event is predicted to attract 450,000 foreign visits to the country - around 100,000 more than seen during the last World Cup held in France, in 2007 - and around 50,000 more than those seen during the England and Wales-hosted Cup in 2015.
Visitors are expected to spend anywhere between 720 million and 916 million on transport, accommodation, and food and drink, figures suggested.
The State’s coffers are due to benefit significantly too: through extra costs such as VAT, visa applications and airport fees, the French treasury looks to bank 119 million on extra taxes during the World Cup alone.
