Key facts
- US hotels are reporting mixed results from World Cup tourism, with some seeing surges and others slower growth.
- Basking Ridge, New Jersey, is serving as the base for the Moroccan and Brazilian national football teams during the World Cup.
- Some residents feel Basking Ridge has not fully embraced the event, citing a lack of overt celebration and a community reputation for being exclusionary.
- The town's mayor disputes this, highlighting organized activities like watch parties and youth tournaments.
- Past local controversies include textbook rejections and opposition to building a mosque.
US hotels are experiencing a mixed impact from the World Cup tourism surge, with some venues seeing increased bookings while others report slower-than-expected growth.
In Basking Ridge, New Jersey, the arrival of the Moroccan and Brazilian national football teams for the World Cup has brought a global event to the small, affluent suburban community. Residents like Caroline Corley, initially unfamiliar with football, have become engaged with the sport due to the teams' presence. The Moroccan team is based at the Somerset Hotel and trains at the Pingree School, while Brazil is staying at The Ridge Hotel and practicing at Columbia Park Training Facility.
However, some Basking Ridge residents feel the town has not fully embraced the moment, contrasting it with how other host cities have welcomed teams. They note a lack of widespread celebratory signage, with only a few cafes and the Somerset Hotel displaying banners. This subdued atmosphere, according to some, is linked to the town's reputation for being somewhat exclusionary, referred to locally as the 'Basking Ridge bubble,' and a more conservative, closed-minded political culture, particularly among older generations.
Bernards Township Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy disputes these characterizations, asserting that the town has welcomed the teams enthusiastically. She highlighted organized activities such as a watch party for the Brazil-Morocco game and a youth tournament that attracted thousands. McCarthy also shared personal enthusiasm for hosting Morocco, recalling a past World Cup match.
Residents also point to broader community issues, including debates about race being suppressed and a political culture that limits discussions on contentious topics. Past incidents, such as the rejection of sociology textbooks at Ridge High School and prolonged opposition to building a mosque, are cited as evidence of these underlying tensions. Despite these concerns, hundreds have attended training sessions for the Moroccan team.