Friday 26 June 2020

JOINT HOSTING RIGHTS FOR 2023 FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP A VICTORY FOR AUSTRALIAN TOURISM

The awarding of joint hosting rights for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is a game-changer for women’s sport in Australia and New Zealand and a victory for future domestic and inbound tourism.

Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond today said that after flood, fire, virus and border closures over recent months, the Australian tourism industry was in desperate need of some good news and that this announcement was like the sector scoring a winning goal in extra time.

“As Australians we are known around the world for being sporting mad. We will turn up in droves to watch sport in whatever shape, form or fashion and this tournament will be a welcome boost to tourism no end,” Margy Osmond said.

“A consumer sentiment survey commissioned by TTF and conducted by Newgate Research revealed that spectating at sporting events was the sixth most preferred type of tourism activity for Australians.

“But in terms of inbound tourism, to have the world game of football coming to Australia in 2023, we can only lick our lips as to the sheer volume of international visitors that will travel here, not only for the tournament but in the years to follow.

“We all remember the buzz of the Sydney Olympics back in 2000, well a FIFA tournament is right up there in terms of global stature, global attention and widespread economic value.

“From hotel bed nights, restaurant and café bookings, group tours and visits to attractions to air fares, shopping, regional trips and public and private transport use, this will be a massive tourism-led injection into the Australian economy.”

Margy Osmond congratulated the Australian and New Zealand Governments led by Prime Minister Morrison and Prime Minister Ardern for securing this major sporting event for the Tasman region.

“Congratulations to both Governments and to Football Federation Australia and New Zealand Football for landing the Women’s World Cup,” Margy Osmond continued.

“Hosting a global sporting event seems like a world away from where we sit right now but running from 10 July to 20 August 2023, the tournament is exactly three years away and provides us with a realistic mark in the ground as we continue to rebuild the tourism industry towards recovery.

“Our world class tourism industry is more than capable of rising to this three-year challenge and will relish this opportunity to welcome back international visitors and show off Australia to the world.

“And this trans-Tasman cooperation also provides additional drive to progress the Trans-Tasman ‘travel bubble’ which is currently under consideration by both Governments.”

Ends.

Media Contact: TTF Manager Policy & Government Relations Lindsay Hermes lhermes@ttf.org.au 0418 948 447