Anzac Test brings $7m for Coast

THE Anzac Rugby League Test at Skilled Park, Robina, this month brought in almost $7 million to the Gold Coast economy, a report has revealed.

An economic analysis by Events Queensland shows that 24,017 visitors stayed in the city to see the match between Australia and New Zealand, and 13 per cent of the ticket sales went to people from interstate and overseas.

The game was also watched by a television audience of more than 1.7 million people in Australia and about another 300,000 in New Zealand.

Events Queensland CEO John O'Sullivan said the Anzac Test needed to be ranked alongside the other major events on the Gold Coast given the economic impact it delivered.

"For a first time outing with international rugby league at short notice, we are delighted with the outcome," he said.

"The fact that we also recently won a competitive bid process to secure the IRB Rugby Sevens for the Gold Coast, this is a further vote of confidence in the region's ability to host successful major events."

Premier Anna Bligh said the Anzac Test was "a great example of what major events can deliver for communities like the Gold Coast".

"Successful events like this are vital in supporting local jobs and the tourism industry," she said.

"They also help showcase what's great about the Gold Coast to a national and international audience as we continue our bid effort to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games."

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au