Retail sales in Croatia on the days before World Cup matches and on match days increased by between 11 and 15 percent on average, the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK) said on Monday.

Large sporting events, especially European and world football championships, which are watched by nearly half of the world’s population, give significant boost to the economy through increased spending, the HGK said in a statement.

Spending linked with large sporting competitions goes up by about 10 percent, mostly on television sets, sports equipment, travel arrangements, snacks, beer and other alcoholic drinks, the statement said.

During the World Cup in Russia, which took place from June 15 to July 15, 2018, retail sales in Croatia reached 9.28 billion kuna (€1.2 billion).

“Retail spending increased by between 11 and 15 percent on average compared with the same period last year, especially on the days before matches and on match days,” HGK said.

At the same time last year, retail sales were 4.56 percent lower.

“Turnover in the restaurant industry on match days increased by an average of 10 percent and more. A record was made on the day of the semifinal match against England when turnover increased by 17 percent, while on the day of the final it rose by 13 percent,” the HGK said.

(€1 = 7.39 kuna)

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