A financial windfall for local players
The influence of the America's Cup benefited a wide range of local economic players. The event created the equivalent of 12,872 full-time jobs in Barcelona, mainly in the hotel, restaurant, transport and sailing-related services sectors. In addition, 208.5 million euros in tax revenues were paid into public coffers, boosting the city's economic attractiveness.
The presence of 244 superyachts in the port of Barcelona during the event also provided significant financial leverage. These top-of-the-range boats alone generated 35 million euros in sales, directly benefiting local companies specializing in the maintenance and management of these vessels.
A major tourism and media event
The America's Cup 2024 attracted 1.8 million visitors over the 59 days of competition, including 460,819 people who made the trip especially for the occasion. These figures underline the tourism impact of the event, which boosted business for local hotels, restaurants and shops.
The media coverage of the Cup also played a key role in its economic success. With a total TV audience of 954 million people and over 11,182 hours of coverage worldwide, the event offered Barcelona exceptional visibility. The gross value of the media exposure was estimated at 1.367 billion euros, reinforcing the city's appeal as a tourist and sporting destination.
A profitability model to follow?
While the organization of major sporting events is often criticized for its high cost, the America's Cup 2024 demonstrates that an economically viable model is possible. The organization costs, estimated at 70 million euros, were more than offset by the direct and indirect economic spin-offs.
Barcelona thus joins the list of cities that have benefited from hosting the America's Cup, confirming its status as a leading maritime metropolis. But despite this positive track record, it is unlikely to be selected as the host city for the next edition in 2027. Grant Dalton felt that Barcelona was not in a position to host a larger number of challengers. Intoxication or negotiating leverage? The answer will come in June 2025, when the venue for the next Cup will be officially unveiled?
