The Women’s Rugby World Cup is expected to result in a sizable increase in visitor numbers to Ireland when it kicks off on August 5. The tournament will see 12 national rugby teams play in a series of matches in Dublin and Belfast, and with large numbers of visiting team members, officials, supporters and spectators expected to arrive, it is estimated that the event will generate a hotel occupancy figure of approximately 15,000 as well as significant additional tourism revenue for Dublin.
Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly commented, "Fáilte Ireland is always very keen that any international event we bring here showcases Ireland’s ability to stage international events brilliantly and we are sure that the experience in August, for both athletes and spectators, will truly demonstrate our capacity to host high profile international events of scale.”
Fáilte Ireland has been working closely with the IRFU and other stakeholders in the build up to the event, raising €300,000 in sponsorship and supporting the hosting of the World Rugby Women’s Repechage Event in June 2016 and the World Rugby Women’s Sevens tournament in August 2015.
Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament director Garret Tubridy stated, “We are hugely grateful for the support of Failte Ireland. Unlike a regular game day, we will have visitors from 12 nations at the venue at each match day, which will create a very special atmosphere. We know the Irish welcome is renowned world-wide and we hope to bring a flavour of it to the tournament.”
