Lions set to boost tourism
May 31, 2001

More than 10,000 rugby-mad British and Irish fans would follow the British Lions rugby union team around Australia, injecting millions into the economy, the Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) said.

ATC regional director of Europe Andrew Richards said more sport lovers from the United Kingdom would come to Australia to support the Lions, when they arrive next month, than were in Australia from the UK for the Sydney Olympics.

"The Lions tour travels to Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Coffs Harbour, Gosford and Canberra with many visitors undertaking either post or pre tours to destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef, helping to spread the tourism benefits across the country," he said.

"It`s estimated that these visitors will inject over $30 million into the Australian economy."

Mr Richards said the ATC has been working with the Australian Rugby Union to develop tourism opportunities and ensure visitors travel beyond the rugby field.

He said visitor arrivals for Europe are forecast to grow by around 11 per cent this year to reach 1.3 million.

"The UK is the largest and most important of these markets, accounting for around 50 per cent of all European arrivals to Australia," he said. (AAP)

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices