Photo courtesy of Exeter Rugby Club/Pinnacle Photo Agency

Rugby World Cup to boost Exeter economy

Exeter is expected to benefit from a major economic boost from the Rugby World Cup 2015, City Council leaders have said.

With Sandy Park in Exeter hosting three games of the Rugby World Cup, all indications show that spending in Devon's capital will increase significantly as a result.

Latest research from The South West Research Company indicates that visitor spend within the Exeter economy grew by 16.90% to £195.6 million from 2011 to 2012 and the city attracted over 2.2 million visitors in the same period.

"It is great to see that the visitor economy in Exeter has grown by so much in 12 months,” said Derek Phillips Chair of the Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership.

“The city and the Heart of Devon will receive a massive boost from people visiting Exeter for the three games held at Sandy Park in 2015, but also from having a presence on national and international TV.

"Having the Rugby World Cup held in Exeter is a major boost for the local economy in terms of people staying overnight and spending in the restaurants, pubs, shops and visitor attractions. We are looking forward to working with Exeter City Council, the Exeter Chiefs and the team at Sandy Park on this prestigious international event."

Sandy Park recently was recently named Rugby Venue of the Year at the prestigious Rugby Expo Awards 2013 beating out strong competition from other major contenders.

But with the Exeter Rugby Group closing in on its targeted £7.5 million for future redevelopment of Sandy Park, the grounds are expected to continue thriving in the years followng the World Cup.

The City Council is now set to carry out some additional research into the expected economic benefits of the Rugby World Cup 2015 and says that it believes the forecast will be good for Exeter.

Cllr Rosie Denham, Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, said: "The latest figures for Exeter are very encouraging. In just over 18 months time the eyes of the world will be on Exeter and we are very optimistic that the Rugby World Cup will bring thousands of extra people into the city from home and abroad.

"Exeter is a fantastic city that has much to offer and this combined with the games at Sandy Park and a real match atmosphere in our Fanzone in the city centre is going to provide a real boost for Exeter's economy."

Previous research undertaken by Visit England has shown that because of the economic downturn, more people are making domestic trips, with destinations like Exeter and Devon benefitting.

They argue this change in consumer patterns has seen overall spending by visitors to Exeter, both coming for the day or for longer stays, increase to £195.6m in 2011 to 2012.

The largest share of this money is thought to come from shopping which rose and eating out in the city which brought a total of £101.2m into the city’s economy after increasing by 14.92% and 14.68% respectively.

However the most significant increase in visitor spending for 2011-12 came from the city’s attractions and cultural venues which rose by nearly 20% in the 12 months studied to bring in over £20m to the local economy.

The boost in spending naturally saw an increase in the city’s job market with ove r4,800 jobs supported by tourism being reported in this period with an increase of over 850.

Cllr Denham added: “This makes great reading for Exeter. Developments that have happened in the city over the previous couple of years have improved the offering and this in turn has attracted more people to visit and stay.

With Exeter being a Host City for Rugby World Cup 2015, this will also enhance our reputation as a cultural short break destination.”

The council say that new developments including John Lewis, Magdalen Chapter Hotel, two Premier Inn hotels, various development at the University of Exeter , the Quay Climbing Centre, Haven Banks Outdoor Educational Centre are key to Exeter's improved offering.

Developments at Tuckers Hall, the Bike Shed Theatre, Southernhay House Hotel as well numerous restaurant and shop openings and improvements to Central Train Station are also praised by the council.

The council now say that further Planned city developments will continue to improve the appeal of Exeter to the short break and day visitor market, namely through redevelopment of the bus station, a new IKEA store, further hotel openings, developments at Exeter Cathedral and Sandy Park, and the launch of the Exe Estuary Trail.