The Morrison Government has thrown its support behind the ICC T20 World Cup being held in Australia next year, announcing a new campaign to promote the tournaments and Australia to cricket fans in India.
“Reid’s vibrant Indian community has always been passionate about the way sports and cricket in particular unites and strengthens us as a community,” Dr Martin stated.
Federal Minister for Tourism Simon Birmingham stated that the campaign will implement marketing activities to drive visitation to both the women’s and men’s tournaments, as well as increase Australia’s broader destination appeal in India.
“Australia stands ready to welcome the world to the ICC T20 World Cup tournaments, which are set to deliver significant benefits to our tourism industry and the broader economy,” Minister Birmingham said.
“We know from research that major sporting events have far reaching impacts and are significant drivers of visitor demand, with 16 per cent of all international visitors attending a sporting or cultural event during their trip.
“These visitors are also known to stay longer and spend more than the average international traveller.
“The Indian tourism market is currently worth $1.7 billion and is our fastest growing inbound tourism market, with visitation forecast to grow four-fold to reach nearly 1.2 million by 2035.
Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 would shine a spotlight on the nation as a global leader in sport and major events.
“Securing major sporting events for Australia is crucial to nurturing our rich sporting culture,” Minister Colbeck said.
“These elite events invigorate and unite the industry from the grassroots level up and encourage all Australians to get active and fit.
“The ICC T20 World Cup 2020 is no exception. More than one million fans are expected to attend this significant event, which will be played as two standalone tournaments for women and men.
“This will ensure that each tournament receives maximum exposure and will allow Australians the rare opportunity to enjoy world-class cricket right on their doorstep throughout the year; while continuing to advance cricket as a sport for women and girls and inspiring the next generation of kids across Australia to play cricket.
“These events will also reaffirm Australia’s reputation for delivering world-class sporting events and ensure we continue to be a sought-after destination among decision makers and event leaders within the global sporting industry.”
The Women’s T20 World Cup, featuring 10 teams and 23 matches, will open with a blockbuster clash between Australia and India at Sydney Showground Stadium on Friday 21 February and will culminate with its Final at the MCG on Sunday 8 March – International Women’s Day – when Australia will have an opportunity to demonstrate its leadership in women’s sport by setting a new world record for attendance at a women’s sporting fixture.
The Men’s T20 World Cup, featuring 16 teams and 45 matches, will run from 18 October to 15 November 2020 to an expected broadcast audience of to two billion.
Media: Dr Fiona Martin MP
