Many Auckland firms who believe they'll benefit from from the 2011 Rugby World Cup have failed to start planning how to take up the opportunities, a survey shows.
Conducted online by AucklandPlus, the survey found 75% of the 454 respondents thought their businesses would benefit from the tournament but only 35% have begun planning.
Of those who had yet to begin planning, 55% intended to plan for the potential opportunities while 27% did not intend to plan, and 18% did not know.
Firms anticipate their focus will be on marketing, staffing, location and business expansion.
AucklandPlus group manager Clyde Rogers says that figure is better than he anticipated given the recession.
Mr Rogers says most firms thought the opportunities would come from higher sales because of the surge in tourists, though others are looking at the event to attract investment and showcase business opportunities in New Zealand.
AucklandPlus says the Auckland economy stands to benefit by up to $267 million in extra spending during the Cup.
The survey findings are being integrated into the Rugby World Cup 2011 Business Opportunities Guide due for launch in September.
