23/9/04
This weekend’s Davis Cup match between Australia and Morocco is not only a sportsman’s delight but an important economic boon for the State, Sport and Recreation Minister Bob Kucera said.
“Western Australian sports fans will get to see some of our top international and national players at Royal Kings Park for the World Group play-off tie,” Mr Kucera said.
“The likes of Lleyton Hewitt, Wayne Arthurs, Todd Woodbridge and Todd Reid will be in action in this important tie, given our first round loss to Sweden in February.”
But the match has another importance for Western Australia - an economic one.
The Minister said WA was keen to secure sporting events of international standing because they generated significant economic benefit for the State.
“The 2004 Hyundai Hopman Cup, held in Perth in January, not only attracted a record number of tennis fans, but also returned $3.2million to the economy,” he said.
“More than 1,700 interstate and international visitors came to watch the action and stayed, on average, for 13 days, spending around $150 a day.
“The return on our investment was calculated at $8 of new, direct spending for business in the State for every $1 spent staging the Hopman Cup event.
“The Cup is a significant tourism drawcard for WA and tourism is a valuable industry for WA, delivering $3.6billion to the economy every year.
“For every $1million spent by visitors in the tourism industry, eight full-time jobs are created.”
Minister's office: 9213 7000
