When 16 of the world’s top men’s rugby sevens nations hit the pitch at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium this weekend, their friends and families around the globe will be cheering them on, thanks in part to funding through B.C.'s Tourism Events Program (TEP).

The World Rugby Sevens Series has a growing international audience. This weekend, over 100 accredited media  will attend from Japan, France, Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, the United States, Fiji, Kenya, Samoa and elsewhere.

TEP funding is providing $125,000 for broadcast activities, enabling millions around the globe to follow the action. A further $25,000 from the provincial Sport Branch is supporting event hosting.

“I’m excited to welcome the popular HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series back to B.C. for the third time,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “There is very significant international exposure, tourism impact and economic activity brought to our province through this event. B.C. rugby fans are in for a weekend of great sport!”

Vancouver is the sixth stop on the 2018 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. With over one-third of the more than 76,000 expected spectators attending from outside the Lower Mainland, the impact on the local tourism economy is high.

Visitors are expected to stay for three days, while athletes, coaches and officials are here for seven days. Organizers estimate the economic impact at over $24 million.

This weekend’s action will be carried internationally to 133 countries on host broadcast networks and reach an estimated 7.4 million viewers. In Canada, it will be broadcast on CBC sports: www.cbcsports.ca

The HSBC Canada Sevens is in its final year of a three-year funding agreement with the provincial government. The organization is also in its third year of a four-year agreement with World Rugby to host the event. Recently, Rugby Canada announced it will bid again for the rights to host the popular series from 2020 through 2023.

“We are grateful for the support from the Province of British Columbia, given the important role the HSBC Canada Sevens plays in supporting Rugby Canada’s vision for the growth of the sport, the development of the next generation of high-performance players and the ongoing support to our national teams,” said Allen Vansen, CEO, Rugby Canada. “As we enter into the bid process for the rights to host for another four years, we are confident the support for the tournament to date will stand us in good stead going forward.”

Quick Facts:

• The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series event in Vancouver received $170,000 in TEP funding in both 2016 and 2017, and $125,000 in 2018.
• The event has received provincial funding through the Sport Branch of $25,000, as part of a three-year commitment.
• Organizers estimate the event will generate over $24 million for the B.C. economy, and 138.5 local, full-time equivalent jobs in the city.
• Visitors, athletes, coaches and officials in Vancouver will book accommodation for approximately 2,300 hotel room nights.

Learn More:

For more information, visit the Canada Sevens website:  http://www.canadasevens.com/mens/