ROTTERDAM, 5 November 2024 – The Tour de France Femmes marked its presence in Rotterdam with remarkable impact, drawing substantial crowds and uplifting the city’s image through sport. A recent study reflects the significance of this international event’s societal and economic contributions.
Tour de France Femmes highly rated by visitors and locals
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (TdFF), which took place from 11 to 13 August 2024, has been well-received by attendees and residents of Rotterdam. According to research conducted by Cigarbox Impact Advisory and R2 Research, commissioned by Rotterdam Topsport, the event attracted 415,000 visitors across various stages in Rotterdam, The Hague, and Dordrecht, leading to an average rating of 8.9. This level of appreciation is unprecedented for a sporting event in Rotterdam, reflecting both the popularity of women’s cycling and the city's growing appeal as a sports venue.
The TdFF also served as a platform for societal impact, initiating efforts to promote cycling among diverse groups. This has left a lasting positive effect on local communities, with initiatives encouraging participation in sports and cycling-related activities.
Setting new standards in women’s cycling
Rotterdam, alongside its partner cities, was chosen as the setting for the first international stages of the Tour de France Femmes. Christian Prudhomme, the director of the Tour, praised the enthusiasm shown by attendees, remarking on the impressive support and attendance along the course. The event’s reach stands as a testament to the city’s ability to host major international sports events.
In comparison with other grand cycling events hosted in Rotterdam, the TdFF has carved its own space. The city saw substantial engagement in previous races like the Giro d’Italia in 2016, which attracted 482,000 day visits, and the Vuelta in 2022, with 620,000 visitors. The Tour de France Femmes has similarly bolstered women’s cycling by receiving broad visibility and support in Rotterdam.
High visitor satisfaction and broad media exposure
The high satisfaction levels among visitors were attributed not only to the races but also to the vibrant side events, which added depth to the overall experience. International media coverage featured iconic imagery of Rotterdam, broadcast to an estimated 550 million viewers in 190 countries, thus highlighting the city’s unique character on a global stage.
The event’s audience was notably diverse, with 52% of attendees being women and 48% men. The demographic split showed that 20% of visitors were from Rotterdam, 45% from Zuid-Holland, 25% from other regions of the Netherlands, and 10% from abroad.
Positive reception among Rotterdam residents
Rotterdammers have shown solid support for the TdFF, with a majority expressing positive views on the city’s role as host. According to a poll by Gemeentepeiler, 70% of residents felt pride in the event, while 63% believed the city had presented itself uniquely to an international audience.
Efforts to make the event accessible were well-received, particularly among visitors with mobility needs. Survey results indicate that 85% of these attendees found the event locations accessible, and 77% felt comfortable moving through the spaces provided. Local ratings averaged 7.5, with slightly lower scores reflecting that not all residents followed the event closely but still supported its presence.
Economic impact on Rotterdam: €12.2 million
The Tour de France Femmes 2024 generated an economic impact of approximately €12.2 million for Rotterdam, driven by spending from out-of-town visitors who frequented restaurants, participated in local activities, and shopped. Notably, 85% of the event attendees stated they would not have visited Rotterdam if not for the TdFF. This level of impact positions the TdFF as one of the more influential sports events recently hosted in the city.
Societal initiatives alongside the TdFF
Beyond the official race, the TdFF’s community-centred activities encouraged more residents to cycle, in some cases for the first time. Several initiatives underscored the event’s broader societal contributions:
- Cycling Festival on 11 August: The event drew 14,000 visitors, with 3,500 participants in organised rides. Many attendees were inspired to integrate cycling into their routines.
- Neighbourhood Cycling Festivals: Six local neighbourhood events saw 3,500 Rotterdam residents participate in cycling activities.
- Rotterdam Cycling on Tour: A schools programme reached 8,500 students, teaching cycling skills and road safety across multiple cities, including Rotterdam, The Hague, and Dordrecht.
- Rotterdam Peloton: This project taught 154 women from Rotterdam, primarily from migrant backgrounds, to ride bicycles, giving them confidence to cycle independently.
These activities underscore how events like the TdFF can drive long-term social impact by fostering inclusion and encouraging physical activity within the community.
Alderman Faouzi Achbar reflects on the TdFF’s legacy
Alderman Faouzi Achbar, who oversees welfare, community affairs, sport, and digital inclusion, noted that the TdFF highlighted Rotterdam’s capacity to host large-scale international events with inclusivity in mind. He emphasised the city’s commitment to accessibility, ensuring that people with various needs could enjoy the event. He also expressed optimism about the potential for similar events to foster more inclusive, community-focused experiences in Rotterdam’s future.
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