The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, hosted by Australia and New Zealand during February and March this year, was one the biggest events in the history of both countries and provided a significant boost to the local economies.
The findings of an economic impact and benefits analysis carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers show that the tournament generated more than $1.1 billion in direct spending, created the equivalent of 8,320 full time jobs, and generated a total of two million bed nights across the two countries.
Total attendance at tournament matches was 1,016,420, with 295,000 unique international and interstate visitors to Host Cities.
Of these, there were 145,000 unique international visitors to Australia and New Zealand providing a huge boost to tourism, with the largest number of overseas visitors coming from Asia.
The tournament was watched by more than 1.5 billion people worldwide.
In Australia alone, the Cricket World Cup generated more than $785 million in direct spending and created the equivalent of almost 6000 new jobs across the country. There were 1.49 million bed nights generated with international and interstate visitors spending $520 million alone during their stay.
The final was attended by 93,013 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a world-record for the largest ever attendance at a game of cricket.
Cricket World Cup 2015 Chief Executive Officer John Harnden, said the $1.1 billion in direct spending converted into an increase in gross domestic product of $460 million across the two countries.
“This was the biggest event in Australia since the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and it has changed cricket in New Zealand forever,” Mr Harnden said.
“The Cricket World Cup generated two million bed nights across the two countries and around $855 million in visitor spending which is great for the tourism industries of both countries.
“When you consider the TV audience of over 1.5 billion, saturation of coverage across all digital platforms and the mainstream media coverage of the event across the 14 Host Cities, the Cricket World Cup has not only showcased the best of Australia and New Zealand but has enhanced the tournament’s reputation as a major global driver for economic and community benefit.”
Cricket Australia Executive General Manager Operations, Mike McKenna said the outstanding success and popularity of the tournament proved that cricket was not only Australia’s most popular sport but a significant contributor to the local economy.
“With a program of Test, ODI and T20 cricket every year, cricket contributes significantly to Australia’s economy,” Mr McKenna said.
“The success of the Cricket World Cup in attracting fans from diverse backgrounds and more than 145,000 international visitors has created a fantastic platform for similar or even greater success at the ICC World Twenty20 tournament which will be hosted here in 2020.”
Australian Sports Minister Sussan Ley said the Australian and New Zealand Governments had worked closely with the World Cup organisers to ensure the greatest spectacle for sports fans while also maximising the trade and tourism opportunities created by the tournament.
“While fierce rivals on the field Australia and New Zealand have a proud tradition of working together to deliver world-class sporting events,” Ms Ley said.
“The Cricket World Cup has been an outstanding success across all measures which is highlighted by the contribution it has made to the economies of both countries through trade and tourism as well as the unique benefits of sport diplomacy with key partners and markets around the world.”
Images: ICC World Cup 2015 via Facebook