In 2022, there were only about 1.4 million visitors, according to data provided by the government, still considerably below pre-pandemic levels. That’s why events like the Women’s World Cup are so important. Cities like Wellington and Auckland have catered to World Cup tourists by making public transportation free on game days for anyone with a match ticket. The extra effort has not gone unnoticed by tourists, especially those who have traveled to other World Cup events. Compared to the last Women’s World Cup in France, more businesses seem excited to welcome tourists, said US fan Carly Andler.

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Persons: James Johnson, “, ” Johnson, ”, Monchy, CNN’s Richard Quest, Iain Walker, Chow Tory, Chow Tory's, Tara Subramaniam, Carly Andler, Andler, we’ve Organizations: Wellington CNN — Soccer, Football Australia, Tourism, Zealand’s Ministry of Business Innovation, New Zealand, Air New Zealand, FIFA, CNN, New Zealand’s Football Ferns, Wellington Chocolate Factory, Wellington City Council Locations: Australia, New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand, New, Tourism Australia, Cities, Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin, Hamilton, United States, Costa Rica, Spanish, Swedish, Italy, Japan, Rosebud, Bundaberg, Zealand, France