What a weekend of quarter-finals in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
And I wasn’t too far off with my predictions, even if one was wrong, two were a lot closer than anticipated and the other, well, went the other way.
Continue reading “#RWC2015 – Then there was four!”
We’re almost 14 days in now, and it has been interesting to note the levels of support at all the matches played so far in the Rugby World Cup.
There has been criticism still and throughout the lead-up to the tournament at the high cost of ticket prices for many of the games – even the less high-profile encounters, particularly as the 2015 RWC is according to many reports set to be the most costly sporting event ever for sports fans.
But it seems it has not deterred rugby fans – particularly those arriving on these shores, in snapping up tickets to get behind their team and country at all the match day venues.
Research has revealed that tourist arrivals into England from countries that have teams playing have almost doubled (a 90% increase in fact) compared to the same period last year.
A study by online travel company Opodo has highlighted the countries that have the biggest influx of rugby supporters flying in to watch their teams during the Rugby World Cup.
And the country leading the way?
Japan with almost 20 times more tourists expected.
Puma supporters are in full force as tourist arrivals from Argentina are quoted as being 16 times higher than usual. In third place with a 450% surge in visitors flying in is the USA.
Pool B’s top supporting nations – Japan, the USA and South Africa- have a combined increase of 2600% more travelers flying in during the event.
France’s rugby team Les Bleus and Australia’s Wallabies are both attracting twice more visitors to England during the Rugby World Cup matches, meanwhile closer to home, 80% more Irish and 50% more Scottish supporters will be making a short trip in comparison to watch their teams in action.
The list of Top 10 Supporting Nations by tourist arrivals during the Rugby World Cup goes as:
Opodo is one of Europe’s leading online travel companies, with over 440 airlines and 550,000 hotels to choose from, as well as packages, cruises, car hire and travel insurance.
Founded in the UK in 2000, it was the first European online travel company, and today is active in 14 European countries including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Portugal, Austria, Poland, Belgium, Switzerland and Sweden.
The Landlocked Traveller 