Ice Hockey WC in Riga could have attracted additional EUR 44 million to national economy

RIGA - According to preliminary estimates, the holding of the Ice Hockey World Championships in Riga has attracted an additional EUR 44 million to the national economy, the Communications Department of the Riga City Council informed LETA.

In total, 30,000 foreign hockey fans visited Riga. The Swiss, Czechs and Slovaks came to support their teams the most.

Although the Group A matches of the tournament took place in the Finnish city of Tampere, several hundred Finnish fans chose to enjoy the hockey atmosphere in Riga.

"During the tournament, the turnover of local establishments in the city increased by an average of 30-50 percent. Bars and cafes with terraces also achieved record high profit figures compared to this period in previous years," informs Oskars Ikstens, chairman of the board of the Latvian Bar Association.

Along with the beginning of the tourism season and the large events that took place in Riga in May - the Rimi Riga Marathon and the Ice Hockey World Championships - hotel occupancy statistics have also improved significantly. Preliminary statistics show that in May the occupancy of the largest Riga hotels is 50 percent higher than in April and reaches the pre-pandemic level.

According to the data of booking platforms, it can be concluded that a large number of hockey fans chose to stay in short-term rental apartments.

The Ice Hockey World Championships was attended by more than 150 foreign media, the matches were broadcast live in more than 70 countries.

As reported, this year's IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships took place in Riga and Tampere from May 12 to 28. The Latvian national team took the bronze for the first time ever.