2024 Pokemon Go Fest Host Cities Generate Incredible Revenue

Pokémon Go Fest 2024 proved to be a monumental event, as the developer Niantic announced that the selected host cities reaped substantial financial rewards, generating hundreds of millions in revenue.

The core premise of Pokémon Go revolves around encouraging players to engage with their surroundings, embarking on adventures to discover rare Pokémon, partake in Raid Battles, and much more. While players can enjoy these activities anytime, the annual Pokémon Go Fest elevates the experience by offering exclusive opportunities in specific cities.

For 2024, Niantic designated three vibrant cities to host the Pokémon Go Fest: Sendai in Japan, Madrid in Spain, and New York City in the USA.

Economic Impact of Pokémon Go Fest 2024

According to a Statista report commissioned by Niantic, the economic influence of the Pokémon Go Fest was remarkable, significantly benefiting the host cities. The research highlighted how these cities thrived during the event.

Promotional artwork for Pokemon Go Fest Madrid 2024 shows several Pokemon in a park — Niantic/The Pokémon Company

In total, Pokémon Go Fest 2024 generated over $200 million in revenue across the participating cities. Of this total, an impressive $61 million came directly from tax revenues.

New York City emerged as the standout location, garnering a remarkable $126 million, the highest among the three host cities.

Visitor spending also painted a compelling picture: on average, attendees in New York spent $795 during their visit, while those in Madrid and Sendai spent $669 and $407 respectively.

Social Connections and Cultural Value

Beyond economic gains, the Statista report emphasized the social impact of Pokémon Go Fest, particularly in Madrid. Approximately 59% of attendees traveled from outside Spain, injecting considerable value into the local economy. Furthermore, nearly 40% of visitors expressed a strong desire to return to Madrid.

Moreover, the event fostered numerous personal connections among attendees, with the report noting tales of new friendships and even marriage proposals that occurred during the festivities.

Looking Ahead: Pokémon Go Fest 2025

Exciting changes are in store for Pokémon Go Fest 2025, which will feature in-person events in Osaka (Japan), Jersey City (USA), and Paris (France) during the summer months.

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