Australian Open Serves Up Big Benefits For Victoria

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: June 24, 2015 - The 2014 Australian Open provided record economic benefits for the Australian state of Victoria as nearly 120,000 visitors flocked from interstate and beyond, an evaluation shows.

A report by Deloitte Access Economics found last year’s Australian grand slam was worth A$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 also created 1400 jobs for Victoria.

John Eren, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, said: “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.

“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.”

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 on entertainment, hotels and taxis. Interstate guests attended an average of three tennis sessions, while international spectators viewed 3.7 sessions.

The report also revealed 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, played at the Rod Laver Arena, 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.