Rugby World Cup Boost for New Zealand’s Economy

 

Rugby World Cup finals weekend celebrations in Auckland are likely to provide $67.6 million for the nation’s economy according to a report by Coventry University’s Centre for the International Business of Sport (CIBS).

The MasterCard Worldwide economic impact report on the tournament states the figure is based on the total spend of foreign visitors and people visiting the city from other areas of New Zealand.

Professor Simon Chadwick, CIBS director, said: “The climax of Rugby World Cup 2011 will be a revenue spinner for a number of reasons: scheduling the bronze final playoff on Friday night, with the final on Sunday evening is likely to bring in a surge of fans from outside Auckland who are in town for a once-in-a-lifetime long weekend and to watch their team’s tilt for global domination.”

The report states that 50,000 foreign visitors are expected in Auckland this weekend for the final two games.

Around 6000 of those visitors have flown in from France to watch their national team take on New Zealand in Sunday final, which will be played at Eden Park.

The report said the wider Auckland region would be one of the big financial winners of the tournament, with facilities pushed to “capacity” and ”very high levels of corporate activity”.

”Auckland has proven the focal point for Rugby World Cup 2011, as well as being the main entry point for visitors; it will have hosted nine pool matches, two quarterfinals, both semi finals and the bronze final before the All Blacks take on France in the final on Sunday,” it said.

”Since the host nation features in the final it would be expected that large numbers of fans from throughout New Zealand, who may otherwise have watched the match in their home region, will travel to Auckland to be part of the final festivities.

”With hundreds of events in the region aside from these matches, Auckland is able to showcase itself to the world.”

The benefits will be long term, it said.

”In addition to this economic boost, the tournament has been the catalyst for major infrastructure improvements providing long-term benefits for residents and a longer-term economic legacy for New Zealand’s biggest city, through increased tourism, business and trade investment and a greater likelihood of hosting future ‘mega-events’ is also likely to be seen.”