Visit KC says World Cup 2026 is ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ for Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Just one year out and Visit KC says locals are feeling World Cup fever. But the number of international visitors is looking a little less abundant.
That’s the word from Visit KC’s annual tourism outlook meeting Wednesday night, April 23 at downtown’s Municipal Auditorium.
Visit KC is a non-profit that promotes tourism, conventions, and sporting events in Kansas City. Their mission is to create a global ion for Kansas City. And that global ion is no more evident than the excitement behind Kansas City being chosen as one of only 11 host cities for the World Cup 2026.
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Due to the country going through what Visit KC president and CEO Kathy Nelson referred to as a turbulent time, the number of international visitors is lower than in years past.
“It is concerning when you see [travel] numbers declining, but we think the World Cup global spotlight on Kansas City will be like nothing we’ve ever seen before, and to be able to welcome people here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get it right.”
Nelson went on to stress that travelers thinking of coming to Kansas City to see their team should know KC is welcoming and wants them to in on the fun.
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