Hordes of visiting rugby fans helped Melbourne record its busiest hotel night ever last month.
A record 25,089 hotel rooms were booked in the CBD on Saturday, July 26 – with an occupancy rate of 94.7 per cent – as fans flooded the city to watch the British & Irish Lions play the Wallabies at the MCG.
An estimated 40,000 Northern Hemisphere rugby fans visited Melbourne to watch the Lions play two games last month, including more than 90,000 turning out at the MCG for the second test against Australia which they came from behind to win and secure a series victory.
Melbourne was the only city in which the Lions played two consecutive games during the tour, with the team also beating a combined First Nations and Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium on July 22.
Accommodation Australia (Victoria) General Manager Dougal Hollis said the travelling rugby fans did more than just attend the two matches.
“Many British & Irish Lions fans decided to extend their stay, hire a car, and get out to explore the stunning breadth and diversity of Victoria’s hospitality and tourism offer,” Mr Hollis said.
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the results demonstrated the value of attracting major events to Melbourne.
“We are backing major events because record crowds boost our visitor economy – supporting local businesses and creating jobs,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
