FIFA World Cup highlights the value of the region’s hospitality sector

Richard Blackmore from The East Midlands Chamber

The East Midlands Chamber has said the FIFA World Cup is an opportunity to showcase the region’s hospitality and has renewed calls for greater support and a review of business rates to help the sector.

Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “Major sporting events bring a feelgood factor that gets people into pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels but few things are bigger than the FIFA World Cup.

“The East Midlands is fortunate to have a superb range of venues where people can get together. While this year, due to time difference with host nation, The United States, many of the games will be played late at night, the general buzz around the FIFA World Cup is an all day, all evening vibe.

“2026 is a true summer of sport – we have Wimbledon, the Commonwealth Games, the British Grand Prix, the Open Championship and European Athletics, as well as local regional programmes of sport, all in the coming weeks so there is plenty of reason to get together with friends and family in the great venues the East Midlands has in abundance.

“Hospitality has been hit hard with rising costs and disproportionately high business rates and I would urge policymakers to see how the sector brings communities together and boosts the economy and seize the opportunity to step up and help it thrive.

“Wider energy support packages and a review of business rates should be prioritised, as we have outlined in our landmark document – the Framework for Growth.

“We’re all backing England to win – let’s back our brilliant hospitality sector too.”