Liverpool FC and Lions tours deliver massive benefits to Victorian economy

The economic benefits of hosting the Liverpool FC versus Melbourne Victory match in July at the MCG and two British and Irish Lions rugby matches the month before in Melbourne have massively exceeded expectations.

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine said an independent assessment has found the Liverpool FC major event delivered over $35 million in economic benefits to the state which is a more than three-fold increase above the forecast $10 million return.

Dr Napthine stated "this historic match has kicked a magnificent goal for the Victorian economy.

"The assessment also found that 27,000 interstate visitors attended the game along with more than 3,000 international visitors. The total attendance of 95,446 was the largest ever crowd Liverpool has played to in the club's illustrious 121 year history.

"The more than 30,000 out-of-state visitors provided a roaring trade for Melbourne's hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes.

"Leading hotel operator, the Accor group, reported 100% occupancy across the 4,700 rooms in its chain of Melbourne hotels stretching from the CBD to Glen Waverley.

"Liverpool FC also indicated that the Club recorded its highest ever 24-hour merchandise sales while the team was in Melbourne."

The extremely popular Lions games attracted 7,000 interstate visitors and more than 16,000 international visitors, bringing in $80 million in economic benefits to Victoria.

Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said Melbourne once again demonstrated it is a world leading host of major sporting events and an international sporting capital.

In addition to annual major sporting events such as the Australian Tennis Open, the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, the AFL Grand Final and the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Melbourne played host to the World Cup of Golf last weekend, and will host the 2015 Asian Football Cup and the ICC 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Minister Asher added "Victoria's major events contribute about $1.4 billion to the state's economy and attract around 230,000 visitors to Victoria each year.

"We are committed to building on these numbers and growing the benefits to the local economy."

Image show the British and Irish Lions 2013 series triumph.

12th July 2013 - LIONS GIVE SYDNEY ITS BIGGEST WEEK SINCE THE OLYMPICS

7th July 2013 - BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS TOUR DELIVERS A THIRD GROUND RECORD 

15th June 2009 - REPORT URGES TOURISM INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION