Winnipeg hotels booked solid for FIFA Women's World Cup

It's still a few months away, but the hotel industry in Winnipeg says it's already running out of rooms for the FIFA Women's World Cup Soccer 2015 event in June.

Winnipeg is set to host seven matches at Investors Group Field during the Women's World Cup.

Jim Baker, president of the Manitoba Hotel Association,says he's not surprised that most of the bookings are coming from our neighbours south of the border.

"One of the key things is the American team is playing twogames here, and there's been tremendous pick-up of rooms," Baker said.

The event is expected to generate millions of dollars forthe city.Baker said24 per cent ofrevenues will goto the hotel industry.

"That's going to bring a lot of business.The hotels are alreadybooked quite solid for that time period," he said.

Baker hopes the sporting event,combined with the lowCanadian dollar,will help boost tourism numbers from American visitorsover the summer.

He saidthe city has more to offer this summer, includingtheCanadian Museum for Human Rightsand the Journey to Churchill exhibit at AssiniboinePark Zoo.

"There's probably going tobe families here for a good week, so they're going tobe able to visit the city," he said.

Baker saidmany visitors who book latewill likely have to stay in hotels outside of the city.

"If any of the Americans are slow in booking rooms,Grand Forks, North Dakota is just on our doorstep," he said. "I'm sure there's going to be lot of activity there;they have a lot of hotel rooms."

Winnipeg will host competition group matches on June 8, 12, 15 and 16.