Australian Open delivers huge boost for Victorian economy

IT HAS long been a major event master class and now the figures are in on just how big the Australian Open is for the Victorian economy.

THE Australian Open this year served up a $293 million win for the Victorian economy — the biggest in the history of the grand slam event.

Figures to be released today reveal the major event had an economic benefit equivalent to $2.3 billion over the past 10 years, with interstate and overseas visitors flocking to Melbourne Park.

The Herald Sun can reveal this year’s Open generated $293.2 million in real gross state product — a $15.1 million increase on the $278.1 million it was last measured contributing, in 2016.

Australian Open mens winner Roger Federer. Picture: Michael Klein

An economic impact study found 49 per cent of fans at this year’s Open were from outside Melbourne and 12 per cent were from overseas.

Visitors stayed an average of 4.32 nights in Melbourne and spent $214 per person each day.

And a survey of 11,029 fans at the event found three-­quarters of visitors would happily recommend others to visit Victoria as a result of their stay.

Sports Minister John Eren said it was a win for sports fans and the state economy.

“The Australian Open has grown into a truly iconic event and one of the world’s great sporting tournaments,’’ he said.

“It not only brings the world’s best tennis players to Melbourne, it brings in visitors that support our local businesses and local economy.”

Caroline Wozniacki celebrates her Australian Open win. Photo: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Maia, 9, Niamh, 8, Adrian, 9 and Manol, 10 enjoy a taste of the big time. Picture: Mark Stewart

Tournament director Craig Tiley said the event was also driving participation rates, with a 34 per cent increase on the previous year and a 41 per cent rise in Tennis Hot Shots juniors.

“The incredible growth of the Australian Open every year is a testament to the fans who travel from across the country and around the world just to be a part of this great event,’’ he said.

The studies, conducted by Nielsen Sports and Victoria University, found more than 99 per cent of Victorians believed it “very important” or “important” for the state to host the Open.

They found:

EIGHTY-FOUR per centof Victorians agree having the Open in Melbourne makes them proud;

SEVENTY-TWO per cent of attendees rate their AO 2018 experience better than any other events ­attended in the previous year;

ALMOST 90 per centof visitors would recommend others to visit Victoria; and

FIFTY per cent of all overseas and interstate visitors said their overall experience at the Open positively changed their perception of Victoria.

Prize money at next year’s Open is likely to increase in the wake of its success.

The Herald Sun yesterday revealed ticket prices would be slashed for next year’s Open, with cheaper entry to Rod Laver Arena.

The courts of Melbourne Park will be open free to the public from 7am to 3pm today to coincide with the launch of ticket sales for next year’s event, running January 14-27.

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