The report says room rates in Wilmington moved first, with some hotels charging far more during the opening World Cup period than later in the summer.
That matters because Delaware’s pitch has always been indirect: stay close to Philadelphia, avoid some of the chaos, and still be within easy reach of the tournament atmosphere. On paper, it made sense. In practice, fans may still be waiting, trimming budgets, or choosing to stay closer to the host city itself.
Boes is also quoted as pointing to the overall cost of attending matches, a factor that may be making supporters more selective about where they sleep. That feels plausible. Big tournaments create excitement, but they also create expensive decisions.
There is still one intriguing football angle here: Ivory Coast is reportedly set to base itself in Delaware. If that camp generates local attention, it could yet give the state a late lift, especially among travelling supporters and curious neutrals.
The update says tourism officials are sticking with watch parties and local promotion, betting that late planners can still move the market. Jessica Welch is quoted as striking a patient note, arguing that even if bookings fall short, the wider exposure could still matter.
That is the next storyline to watch: whether Delaware turns proximity into payoff once final travel plans are made - and whether the presence of Ivory Coast helps turn soft interest into real summer footfall.