Business puts Rugby World Cup plans to one side

Michael Barnett sees an 'unprecedented opportunity' for Auckland coming in 2011. Photo / Dean Purcell

Few businesses are making plans to make the most out of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

A survey of Auckland businesses showed that of the 454 questioned, only 35 per cent had planned for potential opportunities during the tournament.

Of those who are yet to start planning, 55 per cent intend to make plans, 27 per cent do not intend to make any plans, while 18 per cent are not sure if they will.

But businesses need to act now if they are to make the most of the opportunities offered during the cup, said the organisation that conducted the survey, AucklandPlus.

"To me, it all adds up to an unprecedented opportunity for Auckland," chairman Michael Barnett said.

"When I look at the current economic climate, it is clearly an opportunity we cannot afford to miss."

The Auckland economy is expected to benefit up to $267 million in expenditure in the lead up to and during the tournament.

Businesses identified various key opportunities to hone in on, including the chance to supply job opportunities and the increased sales of New Zealand/Kiwiana products to thousands of tourists.

Those businesses which had already started planning had focused on marketing and promotional activities, networking and prospecting current clients.

AucklandPlus general manager Clyde Rogers said the organisation had already made moves to help businesses make the most of the World Cup.

He said it was encouraging to see a number of businesses identify the cup as a huge opportunity.

"I think even though it was only 35 per cent, that is a positive signal."