BUSINESS houses in Labasa experienced a boost in their operations last week following the opening of the Inkk Mobile Battle of the Giant tournament at Subrail Park.
Labasa Chamber of Commerce president Ashok Karan said such tournaments were not only beneficial for soccer fans but also business operators.
"Business owners have been telling me that they started experiencing sales since Wednesday and this is really a good sign because it enhances the growth of the northern economy," he said.
"The town was also a hive of activity because the Digicel Cup clash between Macuata and Naitasiri last Saturday.
"In addition, it was also a cane payment week where farmers from as far as Bua, Cakaudrove and Seaqaqa throng in numbers to take advantage of our business," he said.
Mr Karan said business owners were really happy because this was the first time this year they had felt an improvement in business.
"With the January floods, we suffered a downturn in business but now it's picking up slowly again and we are really happy about it.
"Tournaments like the BOG should be held more often in the north because it really takes our business operations to another level," he said.
Some shops and restaurants were opened in Labasa yesterday.