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Tourism Decline Ahead of FIFA World Cup Due to Visa Hike

As the world gears up for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup, a surprising trend is troubling the global travel and hospitality industry—a sharp tourism decline ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

The reason? A combination of increased visa fees and reduced promotion of tourism destinations, even as the biggest sporting spectacle in the world draws nearer. Many countries expecting to benefit from the usual tourist influx are instead witnessing cancellations, lower bookings, and declining interest from international visitors.

In this article, we’ll explore why this decline is happening, how it’s affecting tourism-dependent economies, and what needs to be done to reverse this worrying trend.

What’s Causing the Tourism Decline Ahead of FIFA World Cup?

Countries that usually benefit from hosting major global events are finding themselves in a difficult position. The FIFA World Cup is typically a magnet for millions of travelers. But several factors are now acting as barriers:

1. Increased Visa Fees

Many countries—especially those near the event-hosting nations—have raised visa application fees drastically. These increases were often introduced to regulate high volumes or boost revenue, but they are having the opposite effect.

Families and budget travelers are now rethinking their travel plans.
Visa fees in some countries have doubled, with some charging as high as $150 to $250 per person.
Travelers from developing countries are especially affected.

2. Complicated Visa Procedures

Apart from higher costs, the process itself has become more complex. Lengthy paperwork, slow processing, and fewer fast-track options have made it less attractive to apply for visas in time for the event.

Processing delays mean many travelers are unsure if they’ll even get a visa in time.
Many travelers are missing early-bird deals or non-refundable hotel bookings due to visa uncertainty.

3. Reduced Tourism Promotion

In previous years, countries invested heavily in marketing their tourist attractions during international events. But in 2025, tourism boards in several countries have cut budgets or failed to ramp up promotion ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Digital ads, influencer campaigns, and event tie-ins are noticeably missing.
Local governments cite budget constraints or prioritization of internal issues.

Economic Impact on Local Businesses

Tourism is not just about sightseeing. It is the lifeline for many local businesses, especially in host countries or nearby regions. A decline in international arrivals could spell disaster for them.

1. Hospitality Sector Suffering

Hotels, resorts, guest houses, and short-term rental platforms have all reported:

Lower occupancy rates compared to past global events.
A surge in last-minute cancellations.
Reduced revenues during what should be a peak season.

2. Tour Operators and Guides Affected

Travel agencies and independent tour guides often rely on event tourism for a large portion of their yearly income. With fewer travelers, they are:

Slashing their prices.
Canceling group tours.
Offering last-minute discounts just to stay afloat.

3. Restaurants and Retail in Trouble

From street vendors to fine dining, all levels of the food business are seeing:

Less foot traffic.
Drop in pre-booked group meals.
Reduced spending by local tourists who were expecting international company.

Why This Matters: Missed Global Opportunity

The FIFA World Cup is more than just a football tournament. It’s a chance for countries to present themselves on a global stage. But the current trend suggests this opportunity is being lost:

The World Cup brings global attention, media coverage, and potential investors.
With lower footfall, the chance to build long-term tourism relationships is slipping away.
Future seasons might also suffer if visitors have negative or limited travel experiences now.

Real Voices: What Travelers and Business Owners Are Saying

We reached out to travelers, tour operators, and hotel owners in regions expecting high tourist traffic.

Maria Gomez, a football fan from Mexico:

“I planned this trip for two years. But after the visa hike and the slow approval, I had to cancel. It was just too expensive and stressful.”

Riyaz Patel, a hotel manager in Qatar:

“We were expecting full occupancy. But we’re at 40%. The government didn’t support our promotional efforts this year like they did before the last big event.”

Ayesha Rahman, a travel agent in UAE:

“I’ve had more cancellations than bookings this month. People are either put off by the cost or worried about not getting visas in time.”

Countries Most Affected by the Tourism Decline

While the host country still expects a large turnout, neighboring and transit countries that usually benefit are seeing the biggest losses. These include:

UAE: A key stopover hub for international flights.
Oman & Bahrain: Popular for cultural tours and short getaways.
Turkey: Previously saw a tourism boom during global events, now facing low turnout.
Jordan: Historical sites expected a tourism spike but are seeing flat demand.

Suggestions to Boost Tourism Before the FIFA World Cup

Experts say there’s still time to reverse the situation. Here’s what governments and tourism boards can do:

1. Lower or Waive Visa Fees Temporarily

A temporary waiver or reduced fee for FIFA-related travel could bring back thousands of travelers.
Encourage multi-country travel packages with unified visa processes.

2. Launch Emergency Promotion Campaigns

Run targeted social media ads in key tourism markets.
Collaborate with travel influencers and bloggers.
Promote special FIFA travel experiences and match-related activities.

3. Simplify and Speed Up Visa Approvals

Offer express visa services for travelers with match tickets.
Partner with airlines to bundle flight + visa + hotel in simplified deals.

4. Involve Local Communities

Encourage local businesses to offer discounts and incentives.
Create fan zones, street festivals, and night markets to attract visitors.

How Travelers Can Still Make the Most of the FIFA World Cup

If you’re a fan or traveler still planning to attend the FIFA World Cup, here are a few practical tips to reduce the impact of rising costs and visa issues:

Book multi-entry visas if planning regional travel.
Use official travel partners for faster processing and bundled discounts.
Follow local embassy pages for updated visa announcements.
Look for community-based tourism offers—these are often more affordable and immersive.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Future Global Events

The tourism decline ahead of the FIFA World Cup is a warning sign. Without proactive planning, the very events meant to boost tourism could end up hurting it.

Key Takeaways:

Travelers need more support and flexibility in visa policies.
Local businesses need early and aggressive promotion to capitalize on global events.
Tourism boards must work in sync with event organizers to ensure that the economic potential is fully realized.

Conclusion

The tourism decline ahead of the FIFA World Cup is not just about numbers—it’s about missed chances, struggling businesses, and frustrated travelers. With quick action, governments and tourism boards can still make a difference. The world is watching, and if steps are taken now, the event can still be a celebration of both sport and travel.

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