Brussels bids to host 2030 World Championships with an eye on economic and social impact

The UCI World Championships is one of the most significant events in the cycling calendar. Its potential to attract riders and fans from all corners of the world makes it a sought-after opportunity for cities that hope to benefit economically from the influx of tourists.

Brussels is set to submit a formal application to host the 2030 World cycling championship, with the hope of emulating the success of the 2021 World Cycling Championships held in Flanders.

The Flanders championships attracted over 1 million visitors, who spent an average of 4.5 nights in the region and contributed almost 36 million euros to the local economy through expenses such as accommodation, food and drink, transport, and other costs, providing a substantial economic boost of 27.4 million euros.

Furthermore, Brussels is striving to establish a social impact through its World Cup bid. The tournament had 208 million TV viewers from 113 countries in 2021 and was followed by millions of social media users.