Australian Open Serves Up Big Benefits For Victoria
The 2014 Australian Open provided record economic benefits to Victoria as nearly 120,000 visitors flocked from interstate and beyond, an evaluation shows.
A report by Deloitte Access Economics found the 2014 grand slam was worth $245.5 million to the state – up from $239 million in 2012 and easily eclipsing the 2008 figure of $163.3 million. The world-renowned tournament created 1400 jobs for Victoria.
Our steady stream of visitors keeps our economy strong, and the Australian Open plays a major part. Of the Australian Open attendees, some 49 per cent were from beyond Melbourne, with a break-down of:
- Nine per cent from regional Victoria
- 29 per cent from interstate
- 11 per cent from overseas.
The report found visitors from interstate and abroad spent millions in our bars, hotels and taxis. Our interstate guests attended an average of three tennis sessions, while international spectators viewed 3.7 sessions.
The report also reveals that:
- 22 per cent of international spectators came from New Zealand, ahead of England (12 per cent) and the United States (11 per cent)
- Nearly a quarter of international guests were aged 25 to 29 years.
The Australian Open is one of the most anticipated tournaments on the world tennis tour and one of the biggest sporting events in the world. A record 703,000 spectators poured through the gates for the 2015 tournament.
With stars Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis on the rise, Australian tennis is on the cusp of a golden era, and Victoria will be its home.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, John Eren
“The figures say it all. There’s no place like Melbourne for events and there is no tournament like the Australian Open.”
“The Australian Open draws visitors from all over the world. It means our businesses are busy and our economy strong, and that means jobs, jobs and more jobs.”
“We’re investing in our sporting precinct to ensure Victoria remains the home of the Australian Open and on the travel list of sports fans across the globe.”