Official hospitality sees record-breaking sales, global interest ahead of World Cup

 

 

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022's Official Hospitality programme is witnessing record-breaking sales and global interest, a statement said.The revenue is currently tracking 29% above that achieved by the same time in the lead up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, the tournament which set the current record for highest number of hospitality packages sold to date for a sports event.Match Hospitality’s 2022 sales data shows that globally, Mexico, the US, the UK, and Argentina, are currently the countries with the highest number of hospitality packages purchased for the upcoming tournament. Interest from European markets is also strong, with the UK, Switzerland, France, and Spain showing the most interest and purchasing activity. In the Middle East region, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are the highest performers in terms of revenue, and 38% of all hospitality packages sold to date have been purchased in the domestic (Qatar) market.In addition, among the 'top 10' countries buying hospitality packages are three countries whose teams have never played in a FIFA World Cup: India, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh – a further sign of the global attraction of the FIFA World Cup in emerging markets.Match Hospitality is gearing up to provide five premium hospitality products in Qatar, ranging from the social and relaxed Match Club to the more luxurious and exclusive Match Pearl Lounge. During the tournament, Match is expected to accredit almost 25,000 service staff, including 9,000 in the catering workforce and 1,000 welcome staff from 35 countries. The exclusive rights holder of the FIFA hospitality programme promises to deliver a truly unforgettable experience during the FIFA World Cup. With hospitality packages selling out fast, there is a clear message from Match Hospitality to local and regional consumers to buy now to avoid disappointment. “We are thrilled with the positive response and massive interest the world has taken in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, both in the region and globally. We see this as a sign that people are hungry to return to sporting events of this scale after the pandemic, but also that the market knows how spectacular this edition of the FIFA World Cup will be – filled with world firsts, in a country geared towards impeccable service,” Match Hospitality executive chairman Jaime Byrom said in a press statement. “The tournament is an opportunity for fans from around the world to come together to celebrate football. Match Hospitality is ready to deliver an exceptional experience to our guests, showcasing our expertise in combination with Qatar’s renowned hospitality, making for an elevated Official Hospitality programme and a truly memorable FIFA World Cup.”A total of 32 countries have qualified for the historic event and are set to play in eight state-of-the-art stadiums in Qatar. Kicking off on November 20 and running until December 18, the tournament promises to showcase the world’s best football talent, all with an outstanding backdrop of world-class hospitality provided by Match Hospitality.