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Jason O’Brien and Natasha Verkerk outside The Secret Garden Inn on June 10, 2026. Photo by Eva Sheahan /For The Kingston Whig-Standard
With everyone focusing on Toronto right now, Kingston is hoping that visitors will consider checking out what lies a bit further east.
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This year marks Canada’s first time hosting the men’s FIFA World Cup and Tourism Kingston has spent six months preparing for a rise in international and domestic tourists as a result.
As Toronto gears up for six matches with over 300,000 expected visitors between June 12 and July 2, this presents a fantastic chance for Kingston businesses. They aim to showcase Kingston’s unique appeal to fans who want more than just Toronto during their stay in Ontario.
Alex Elliott, managing director of sales at Tourism Kingston, noted that studies show around 90 percent of FIFA visitors intend to venture beyond Toronto. Additionally, about 80 percent are looking for places to stay overnight – something Elliott believes Kingston excels at.
“We’re tailored great for that traveller who’s looking to experience something outside of Toronto,” Elliott said. “We’ve been uniquely positioned within that two-and-a-half to three-hour mark outside the city, and we’re really marketing tourists to go to Toronto for the match but come to Kingston for the experience.”
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To promote Kingston , Tourism Kingston has teamed up with local hotels and inns offering tourism packages like Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston ‘s “Summer of Soccer ” deal which comes with two football jerseys available at Visitor Centre alongside complimentary sport souvenirs.
Additionally , Elliott pointed out how well – suited Kingstons location is when attracting European tourists visiting Ontario specifically for World Cup.
“I think what Kingstons offer is uniquely connected … ” Elliott said. ”…a great culture , great food , an entertainment district , and walkable waterfront town.”
Some local accommodations are noticing signs showing increased interest among international guests already.For Jason O’Brien , owner of The Secret Garden Inn – built back in1888 by John Mc Kay – he’s seen more European travelers booking stays this summer likely due largely because increased tourism brought forth through Football Tournament.
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The article talks about how there are only seven rooms available at Secret Garden Inn ; O ’ Brien mentioned they focus primarily upon delivering an “experiential” form hospitality while also personalizing each guest experience – particularly during World Cup season where he’s considering hosting backyard watch parties within courtyard area itself !
“We’ve been looking at if there is cause..” O’Brien added. “.. we can be cooking grilling smoking creating some communal atmosphere.” In an interview he continued explaining how having smaller operation enables them effectively pivot quickly based off guest interests!
Beneath other parts across kingston many restaurants sports bars like Toucan Brass Pub plan hosting their own watch parties adding towards sense ‘communal’ aspect which connects back down towards football/soccer overall feeling shared ! Not forgetting El Gringo Tacos who’ll host ‘El Gringo’s Road To Victory’ showcasing highlights concerning Canadian USA Mexico games together !
“Football happens biggest sport worldwide outside both US Canada therefore naturally taqueria should become place watch world cup right ? We’re gonna do showings involving US., Canada & Mexico games especially those relating against Mexicos side!” Rex Schwartz owner thereof stated whilst interviewed!
The idea came after holding successful Super Bowl party last time around according Schwartz describing it being less formal affair filled dancing singing included too!! He looks forward towards upcoming FIFA ones due past success alone plus interesting fact only one team member currently calls themselves Canadian!!! Hence hopes creating ‘friendly competition’ amongst remaining countries still participating within tournament would bring excitement atmosphere entirely!
A massive event planned takes place June27th between1:30-9pm @Springer Market Square located downtown featuring free FIFA Watch Party events inclusive food vendors pop-up soccer pitch interactive activities throughout day aimed uniting locals visitors alike celebrating game spirit togetherness! Games set happen during period amongst England Panama clash beginning @5 pm continuing until Colombia Portugal matchup starting@7:30 pm as well!! So much fun lined ahead while restaurants hotels tourist attractions gear up welcoming everyone attending festivities happening within entire region this summer season ahead definitely unforgettable times awaiting us here everyone involved!!
(There will be) legacy left with us hosting a World Cup in Canada,” Elliot remarked.”It’s rare you get part into something so massive I think it’ll impact travel youth within community getting experience FIFA falling love soccer leading participation growth athletics surrounding everything taking place here!”
No matter whether visiting pub taco joint historic courtyard Springer Market Square itself -Kingston prepares warmly awaiting world eagerly June coming along via multiple watching events spreading cheerfulness celebration!!
writes me@ams queeensu ca
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