Visit Victoria has released the findings of an independent study which found that the value of major events to the Victorian economy has soared to $2.5 billion a year.
The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula welcomed the findings of the Eventful Year 2018 report which showed major events contributions to the economy had increased by $700 million since 2014.
Mr Pakula said the report also found that 98 per cent of people agreed that major events put Melbourne on the map internationally.
“Eighty eight per cent agreed or strongly agreed that major events did for Melbourne what the Eiffel Tower did for Paris,” Mr Pakula said.
“From the Presidents Cup to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, our calendar has something for everyone,” he said.
“These blockbusters inject millions of dollars into the Victorian economy, keep our hotels, bars and restaurants full and create thousands of jobs.”
He said the report, which assessed the economic impact of major events in 2018, had been commissioned by Visit Victoria, the State’s primary tourism and major events company.
“This week’s Presidents Cup golf at Royal Melbourne featuring Tiger Woods and a cavalcade of fellow stars kick starts a massive 12 months in Victoria,” Mr Pakula said.
