URGENT UPDATE: Melbourne has just seen a historic surge in hotel bookings, reaching an unprecedented 25,089 rooms filled on Saturday, July 26, 2023. This remarkable occupancy rate of 94.7% comes as hordes of rugby fans flocked to the city to witness the British & Irish Lions take on the Wallabies at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
This influx of visitors, estimated at 40,000 Northern Hemisphere rugby enthusiasts, has transformed Melbourne into a vibrant hub for sports tourism. The Lions played two thrilling matches in the city last month, culminating in a nail-biting victory against Australia that secured them a series win. The MCG was packed with over 90,000 spectators for the second test, marking a significant highlight of the tour.
Accommodations in the city were not just filled by match attendees; many fans opted to extend their stay, exploring the diverse array of attractions that Victoria has to offer. Dougal Hollis, General Manager of Accommodation Australia (Victoria), emphasized the broader impact of this event on local tourism.
“Many British & Irish Lions fans decided to extend their stay, hire a car, and get out to explore the stunning breadth and diversity of Victoria’s hospitality and tourism offer,” said Hollis.
The economic benefits of this surge in tourism cannot be overstated. Steve Dimopoulos, Victoria’s Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister, highlighted the significance of such events for the local economy.
“We are backing major events because record crowds boost our visitor economy – supporting local businesses and creating jobs,” Dimopoulos stated.
As the excitement from the matches continues to resonate throughout Melbourne, the city is positioning itself as a prime destination for international sporting events. The successful turnout reaffirms the importance of hosting major competitions and their ability to invigorate local economies.
With future events on the horizon, Melbourne is set to maintain its momentum as a vibrant sports tourism destination. What happens next for the city’s hospitality sector and tourism landscape remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the roar of rugby fans has left an indelible mark on Melbourne’s record books.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor the implications of this historic event on Melbourne’s economy and tourism industry.
