Businesses counting on RWC boost: survey

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Two-thirds of hospitality and tourism operators are anticipating increased sales during the Rugby World Cup, but most other sectors are only expecting to see a small boost to their bottom line.

The results are contained in ANZ's latest Business Barometer which canvassed 948 privately-owned businesses during February and March about their views on economic activity during the cup.

Those working in the hospitality, tourism and recreation sectors expect the greatest lift in business - with 66 per cent anticipating increased sales during the tournament.

A similar number said they expected to have greater exposure to the international tourist market.

Just one-third of retailers said they expected to have more exposure to international tourists.

Agriculture and healthcare businesses rated the expected impact of the Rugby World Cup as the lowest of any sector surveyed.

ANZ managing commercial & agri managing director Graham Turley said networking and hosting were key to helping companies make the most of RWC 2011.

"The survey was carried out in February and March and it's likely businesses have firmed up their intentions and planning aroudn the tournament even more since then."

"But for those that haven't or for those sectors which were not expecting much of an impact from the tournament, it's not too late to consider how to generate some benefits from the expected 85,000 visitors to New Zealand during September and October," he said.

- NZ HERALD ONLINE