Dubai : The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, hosted by Australia and New Zealand provided a significant boost to the economies of the two countries, according to the world governing body of the game.
The findings of an economic impact and benefits analysis carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers show that the tournament generated more than 1.1 billion Australian dollars in direct spending, created the equivalent of 8,320 full time jobs, and had a total of 2 million bed nights across the two countries.
Attendance at tournament matches was 1,016,420, with 295,000 international and interstate/inter-regional visitors to host Cities.
Of these, there were 145,000 international visitors to Australia and New Zealand for the Tournament providing a huge boost to tourism, with the largest number of overseas visitors coming from Asia.
The tournament was watched by more than 1.5 billion people worldwide.
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said the outstanding success and popularity of the tournament proved that cricket was not only popular across both countries but a significant contributor to the local economies.
"The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 was the most popular ever played. The venues were world class, the host cities were world class and the two countries delivered a world class tournament which was watched by more people around the world than ever before," Richardson said.
Australian Sports Minister Sussan Ley said the Australian and New Zealand governments had worked closely with the World Cup organisers to ensure the greatest spectacle for sports fans while also maximising the trade and tourism opportunities created by the tournament.
Cricket World Cup 2015 Ltd Chief Executive Officer John Harnden, said the USD 1.1 billion in direct spending converted into an increase in gross domestic product of AU460 million across the two countries.
"This was the biggest event in Australia since the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and it has changed cricket in New Zealand forever. The Cricket World Cup generated two million bed nights across the two countries and around USD 855 million was spent by visitors while here for the tournament which is great for the tourism industries of both countries," Harnden said.
