The 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand has not garnered much interest from the business community with businessmen voicing their uncertainty in maximizing opportunities in this major event.

According to a survey conducted by AucklandPlus to businessmen in Auckland, only 35 percent out of the 454 participants said that they had started planning for potential opportunities in the rugby event.
As for the other participants, only half of the respondents said that they are intending to come up with a plan at some point, 27 percent said they have no plans at all while 18 percent said they are not sure at this point.

AucklandPlus Chairman Michael Barnett said that it is vital for businessmen to start making plans this year in order to maximize the opportunities for the upcoming sporting event.

Auckland economy is estimated to benefit from the rugby world cup, with estimated earnings set at $267 million. Job opportunities are expected to rise with several establishments expected to gain revenues and might undergo expansion to accommodate tourists from all over the world. Tourist destinations are also expecting increase in revenues.