Tourism Minister Reece Whitby has emphasized Perth’s status as a vibrant sporting destination, even following the cancellation of a highly anticipated Serie A football match. Welcoming top tennis players Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz to Cottesloe Beach ahead of the United Cup, Whitby expressed confidence in the State Government’s strategy to attract major events to the city.
Despite the disappointment surrounding the canceled match between AC Milan and Como, Whitby highlighted an array of forthcoming events that promise to bolster Perth’s reputation. “We’ve been working continually on other events, including Sail GP and the AFL Origin,” he stated. “The AFC Women’s World Cup is also coming to Western Australia. These are amazing, big events that will draw attention to our region.”
In the 2025-26 Budget, the government allocated over $91 million for event tourism, although it remains unclear how much of that funding was intended for the now-canceled Serie A match. Officials confirmed that no financial transactions occurred with Serie A or football governing bodies regarding the event.
Whitby remained optimistic, asserting, “It was well worth the effort and we’re not ashamed. We’re not going to step back in terms of attracting globally significant events to Perth.” He believes these events will enhance the city’s image as an appealing destination for international visitors.
On Tuesday, Gauff and Fritz participated in a light-hearted training session with local children on Cottesloe Beach. The two athletes shared their excitement about defending America’s title in the United Cup, describing it as an excellent preparation for the upcoming Australian Open. “Last year was one of my favorite events,” Gauff remarked. “There’s a lot of pressure when you’re competing for your country, but the team environment helps ease that pressure.”
Despite the festive atmosphere, Gauff acknowledged that her schedule would likely prevent her from enjoying Perth’s beaches during her stay. “I’ll be spending New Year’s Eve in my hotel room,” she joked. “I think from my room, I could probably see the fireworks, so I’ll probably just watch them from there.” She added, “I won’t have time to go to the beach other than this, but it is so cool to be able to see it in person.”
As the United Cup approaches, the focus will be on the thrilling matches ahead, while Perth continues to position itself as a premier destination for sporting events. With a packed calendar, including significant competitions like the AFC Women’s World Cup, the city is set to showcase its potential on the global stage.
