The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to Vancouver, with BC Place set to host multiple matches. This event is not only a sports spectacle but also a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and industry upgrades. Against this backdrop, three industries stand out as having exceptional potential:
1. Hotel & Tourism Management: Accommodation Boom Driven by the World Cup
Research from Destination Vancouver shows that demand for accommodation during summer 2026 will far exceed supply, potentially driving visitors to other regions. But the impact isn’t limited to hotel rooms — restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues will also see a massive influx of guests before, during, and after matches. Without investment in facilities and staffing, Vancouver could face both lost overnight stays and missed opportunities in food & beverage (F&B) and leisure spending.
The city has relaxed restrictions on hotel development, allowing greater building density and encouraging mixed-use projects that integrate accommodations, dining, and entertainment. Downtown remains the core hub, not only holding 43% of the city’s hotel rooms but also concentrating high-end dining, nightlife, and event spaces, all key attractions for World Cup visitors.
In 2026, hotels, restaurants, cafes, sports bars, and live entertainment venues will enjoy record-breaking traffic and revenue. Additionally, the event will enhance Vancouver’s global tourism brand, helping attract future international events and year-round visitors seeking a full hospitality experience.
2. Beauty & Wellness: High-End Consumption and Image Economy
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring an influx of high-spending international visitors to Vancouver, many of whom will be looking for more than just sports. Between matches, travelers often seek ways to relax, rejuvenate, and enhance their personal image, creating a surge in demand for spa treatments, wellness therapies, and premium beauty services.
Vancouver’s beauty and wellness sector is well-positioned to meet this demand, with an established base of luxury spas, medical aesthetics clinics, and high-end skincare providers offering everything from anti-aging treatments to specialized facials.
The event will also boost opportunities for professionals such as beauty therapists, spa practitioners, and makeup artists, as hotels and resorts look to enhance their guest experience with on-site services. Partnerships between hospitality businesses and wellness providers, such as offering “match + spa” or “stay + beauty” packages, will help increase guest spending, extend visitor stays, and reinforce Vancouver’s image as a sophisticated lifestyle destination.
3. Creative Media & Film Technology: “Hollywood North” Levels Up
Vancouver has long been known as “Hollywood North,” serving as one of North America’s top film and television production hubs. Each year, the city hosts dozens of film shoots and TV series, supported by a robust ecosystem of studios, post-production facilities, and creative professionals.
The World Cup will amplify this advantage, generating a wave of demand for live broadcasts, promotional videos, documentaries, and social media content. Local production companies, filmmakers, and creative agencies will have the opportunity to work on high-profile international projects, showcasing their talent to a global audience.
Beyond traditional film and television, Vancouver’s creative sector is increasingly integrating advanced technologies such as AR, VR, and virtual production, further expanding the scope of storytelling. The combination of world-class infrastructure, skilled talent, and the global spotlight of the World Cup will solidify Vancouver’s position as a leader in both traditional media and cutting-edge digital content creation.
