Melbourne is perfectly placed to take advantage of event travel trends

It’s a long shot but we can still benefit from the Commonwealth Games by taking advantage of demand for events like Taylor Swift concerts. Picture: John Shearer/Getty Images

One of the reasons for the Commonwealth Games tragedy is that not enough Victorian government politicians have teenage children or grandchildren.

I am in the grandchildren phase of life and watched with amazement recently the network of computers on the kitchen table with young people interconnected across different states all operating to gain Taylor Swift tickets.

The tension was intense and the cheer deafening when at last one computer got through.

It took me a while to realise what I had been watching was part of a dramatic new global trend.

And that trend was confirmed by the scramble to get tickets for the FIFA World Cup.

Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world to take advantage of this trend and, if organised properly, the Commonwealth Games could be held in the southern capital at a token outlay while the $2bn cancellation fee that the state now faces could be spent on regional Victoria.

I will set out below how this can be done, but first let’s first document the new global boom that goes much further than Taylor Swift.

A report From Deloitte titled The Experience Economy Endures highlights what is taking place in the US, but it is a global phenomena.

The global boom for event travel goes much further than the huge rush for tickets for singer Taylor Swift. Picture: Fernando Leon/Getty Images

Around 3500 Americans were surveyed and Deloitte discovered a big jump in travel motivations for special events such as major sport and music events.

The total travel industry has been revived after the pandemic and the normal motivations like spending time with loved ones and relaxation remain.

But travelling to events is a new category which will balloon in Australia both at an interstate and international level.

People who have access to money – and there are a lot not caught in mortgage stress – are looking for experiences and are often driven by the YOLO (you only live once) syndrome and FOMO (fear of missing out).

A number of people are travelling from parts of Asia to Singapore even though they don’t have Taylor Swift tickets. They simply want to be part of the experience.

For Taylor Swift, Australians didn’t hesitate to travel interstate and hotels in Melbourne and Sydney are already heavily booked for February. I am sure some Australians are off to Singapore too.

In this new environment scattering events around regions that were not connected by fast train was never going to be able to take advantage of the new trend.

The Matildas during a familiarisation session ahead of their opening match against Ireland in FIFA Women’s World Cup, at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

But Melbourne itself is arguably one the best placed of cities in the world to take advantage of the Commonwealth Games. Given its racial diversity, the games are magnificently placed to be part of the new syndrome. And remember, since Brisbane gained a coup with the Olympics, its value has now exploded. It’s a long shot but this is how Victoria and Australia can still benefit from the Commonwealth Games.

• First, Victorian government politicians have to recognise that their Premier Daniel Andrews might be the most skilled politician in Australia in attracting votes, but the damage he does to the state’s finances and long-term wellbeing is devastating.

After the Commonwealth Games debacle and the inevitable public servant retrenchments caused by too much debt, Andrews will no longer attract votes. But to save the games, the politicians need to respond quickly by removing the Premier.

This is the hardest task. The rest is relatively easy.

• Second, start negotiations with the Commonwealth Games organisers to concentrate on events where Melbourne and nearby areas have the facilities.

The city already has two major stadiums and a minor one as well as a tennis centre, an international swimming complex, an international bike track and hockey grounds that can host events without any major capital outlay.

Would-be athletes from the Llamberris Athletics Reserve in Ballarat are disappointed that the Commonwealth Games have been cancelled. Molly Fraser (17), Armani Anderson (16) and Nyajima Jock (20). Picture: Jake Nowakowski

• Third, international capital is now coming to Melbourne and funding major “build for rent” complexes because there is access to land and permission to build.

Athletes’ accommodation can be funded via these giant international institutions.

Some of the local industry funds might also want to join the trend. Institutions will come if they have a clear building track with all the permits and regulations satisfied.

• Fourth, the government needs to undertake skilled promotion both here and around the world. But that is made much easier and more effective when it’s part of a global boom.

Again, for Melbourne and Victoria the hardest step is the first one. Daniel Andrews enjoys using his talents to attract votes. But the mess he created in the process is coming home to roost.

Nevertheless I fear few Victorian government politicians have the courage to take that step for fear of retribution if it fails. But if he’s gone, the Commonwealth Games can return and the looming $2bn fine put to better use in the regions.