Tourism chiefs have "hailed the Rugby World Cup in Newcastle saying it helped bring in" more than £40M ($61M) to the region's economy, according to Jamie Diffley of CHRONICLE LIVE. It came as business analysts said that the event "boosted shop sales by their fastest rate in almost two years." The Rugby World Cup also saw "more items such as beer and burgers sold last month, driving food and drink trading." Destination management and marketing agency NewcastleGateshead Initiative CEO Sarah Stewart said, "We've welcomed thousands of international visitors who have all contributed to the estimated £43M ($65.5M) of economic impact hosting the tournament has brought to Newcastle. Hotel occupancy reached 99% on match days and the tourism sector across the wider region has felt the benefit of the visiting fans" (CHRONICLE LIVE, 10/13). In London, Katie Allen reported demand for beer and party food for Rugby World Cup watchers and school shoes for the new term "helped lift retail sales last month, according to industry figures." In the latest report to indicate consumer spending remains the "main driver" of economic growth, the British Retail Consortium said that "like-for-like sales grew at the fastest annual pace for six months in September." The business group said that furniture and footwear "sold particularly well." Food and drink were "helped by the rugby as well" (GUARDIAN, 10/12).
