Twickenham will be the centre point of the World Cup

As Tournament Organisers, England Rugby 2015 have announced the 12 venues across England which will host matches during Rugby World Cup 2015, national tourist board VisitEngland reiterated its commitment to maximise the benefit from this prestigious sports event for tourism.

VisitEngland will work closely with the host destination management organisations, venues, and local authorities to support them in delivering the best possible experience for all visitors. 

Committed to ensuring that the tourism opportunities are fully exploited, the tourist board’s strategy will encourage visitors to stay longer, explore the country far and wide, and spend more during their visit.

James Berresford, VisitEngland chief executive said: “Sport in this country is an incredibly powerful sales tool that has the power to attract millions of international visitors, and acts as an important catalyst to stimulate domestic visits from our vast home-grown fan-base. 

“We are proud to see Rugby World Cup 2015 hosted in England and this provides the industry with a tremendous opportunity to grow tourism throughout the country, and deliver on the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games.”

One of the most important benefits for tourism that Rugby World Cup brings is that the tournament will host matches and feature training camps in a number of venues right across the country, spreading the opportunity for growth far and wide. 

This geographical spread enables the industry to showcase England’s assets as a world class tourist destination as has never been done before, to boost tourism spend, stimulate the continued growth of the English visitor economy,  and create jobs in the sector.

Debbie Jevans, England Rugby 2015 chief executive said: “The world can now start planning for Rugby World Cup 2015 as we confirm the Match Venues and the full Match Schedule.

“In less than two and a half years’ time, we will be welcoming the world to England and to a celebration of Rugby, played in a range of atmospheric stadiums right across the country.”

With confirmed teams from major international markets including Australia, Italy, Ireland and France as well as South Africa and New Zealand, there is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of England in these key markets.

In addition, the planned cultural events leading up to and during the tournament, as well as live sites and the creation of dedicated ‘fan zones’ will provide an outstanding and rounded visitor experience.