~ Victoria sees record-breaking influx of
visitors, with nearly 250,000 arrivals at Melbourne Airport during the holiday
period ~
~ Pro Kabaddi League makes historic Melbourne
debut, captivating global audiences ~
~ Boxing Day Test at MCG sets new records with
more than 373,000 spectators ~
India, 23rd January
2025 : Victoria, Australia, solidified its position in 2024 as a premier global
tourism and sports hub, experiencing significant visitor growth especially from
India. The State's diverse offerings – from world-class art, cuisine and
adventure activities to iconic sporting events – attracted travelers from
across the globe. Victoria’s calendar of events was especially vibrant,
featuring international sports and cultural exhibitions, further cementing its
reputation as a must-visit destination for all types of travelers.
Indian visitors played a key role in this growth, as the second-largest
source of international arrivals to Melbourne. In 2024, more than 200,000
Indian tourists visited the State, driven by rising demand for unique cultural
experiences and major events. Additionally, spending by Indian visitors rose by
31 per cent compared to the previous year, underscoring the growing appeal of
Victoria as a top international destination.
Among the year’s most significant events, the Pro Kabaddi League
Melbourne Raid and the Boxing Day Test captured global attention. The Melbourne
debut of the Pro Kabaddi League was a historic milestone for the League. Held
at John Cain Arena, the event buzzed with high-energy excitement, replicating
the vibrant atmosphere of matches in India and showcasing Melbourne’s
capability to host large-scale international sporting events. The PKL Melbourne
Raid broadcast garnered an astounding 14.2 million reach across TV and OTT
platforms in India, captivating audiences and amplifying the event’s global
excitement!
Brendan
McClements, CEO of Visit Victoria said, “Broadcasting
to such a large audience for both the Boxing Day Test and the Pro
Kabaddi League Melbourne Raid has delivered huge promotional value for
Victoria, showcasing our credentials as a sporting capital and tourism
destination to millions of people across
India and the region.” He went on
further to say, “This is part of an action-packed calendar of summer events in
Victoria including the Australian Open, the Women’s Ashes and the Yayoi Kusama
exhibition at the NGV - which all
continue to boost our buzzing visitor economy.”
The Boxing Day Test at
the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) set new records, attracting an impressive
373,691 spectators over the course of the event. This marked the largest Test
crowd in Australian cricket history and the second largest globally,
underscoring Melbourne’s status as a world-class venue for international
sporting events.
The influx of visitors
was also reflected in the city’s hospitality and tourism sectors. Hotel
occupancy in Melbourne reached a peak of 88 per cent as at 27 December, showing
a notable 11 per cent increase compared to the previous year. From 24-28 December,
nearly 250,000 passengers arrived at Melbourne Airport, further demonstrating
the city’s growing appeal to both domestic and international travelers, especially
from India.
Victoria’s connection
with India remains strong, with nearly 260,000 Indian-born residents now
calling the State home. The success of events like the Australian Tourism
Exchange and the Indian Trade Mission have been instrumental in strengthening
these ties and driving the growth of Victoria’s tourism market. In 2024,
international tourism expenditure reached an outstanding $8.8 billion, a 57 per
cent increase from the previous year, marking the highest growth of any
mainland Australian State.
With these remarkable
achievements in tourism, sport and international engagement, Victoria continues
to shine on the global stage, offering unmatched experiences and paving the way
for even greater successes in the year ahead.
Photo link: https://www.shannonmorrisphotographer.com/gallery/Kabaddi-Melbourne-28-12-24/G000086mNBqMu94c
About Visit Victoria: Visit Victoria is the State Government lead
agency that capitalises on commercial opportunities in an increasingly
competitive and dynamic global tourism market. The team informs, connects and
partners with industry and the Victorian State Government to amplify Victoria's
profile.
For more information, please go to www.visitmelbourne.com