Rugby World Cup 2003 comes to an end tomorrow night when Australia defend their title against England in the final at Telstra Stadium, but the Tournament has certainly left its mark on Sydney.
This is not just in the sense of a boost for the city’s tourism industry or the many restaurants and bars awaiting fans and visitors alike, but also on the job market and the money people have spent.
A State Chamber of Commerce (NSW) City Poll of nearly 500 people conducted in Sydney this week found that nearly a third – 32 percent – had attended or were planning to attend a match in Sydney.
Another three percent went to games nearby in either Gosford or Wollongong, while nine percent of those questioned were working extra hours or had found a job as a result of the year’s biggest sporting event.
31 percent of respondents had purchased official Rugby World Cup merchandise, while just under a quarter – 23 percent – admitted to spending money that they would otherwise have put away for a rainy day.
Sympathetic bosses
Offices in Sydney have also been a bit more upbeat than normal with 15 percent saying their employers had put on a special Rugby World Cup event, be it dress down days, functions for clients or allowing employees to watch matches during work time.
“The Rugby World Cup has brought thousands of people to Sydney and they are getting into the spirit of the event, spending on accommodation, restaurants and entertainment, injecting millions of dollars in to the NSW economy,” Margy Osmond, the State Chamber of Commerce (NSW) CEO said.
One establishment that has certainly noticed the difference during the 48 days of Rugby World Cup 2003 is The Orient Hotel in The Rocks with Licensee Adrian Iverach revealing they were going through twice as many kegs a week.
“Rugby union is an international game that attracts all people and it is just great to bring all the nations together for a fantastic sport,” enthused Iverach.
A time to enjoy
“It has been an interesting sport. I do believe Sydney, my heart tells me, should have had the last four weeks because it brings the nation closer together, however rugby has great supporters and they are here to enjoy themselves.
“Whether they be English, Irish or Welsh they are here to enjoy themselves. The Wallabies certainly know their colours after last week, the Kiwis showed theirs but unfortunately they all went home, but it has been a fantastic, wonderful atmosphere.”
What then of the impact on business at The Orient Hotel?
“It has brought extra business to us and it is good to see and we pride ourselves on trying to give the best service. Heineken have given great support to such an event and it has certainly increased my business.
Double the consumption
“Last week we went through 260 kegs in a matter of 48 hours, this week I anticipate we will do 500 kegs. It is up by 50 percent, which is great because we have gone through a difficult time in the area and it has been good for tourism.”
On the restaurant front, Doyles At The Quay manager Alan Bond said they had noticed a difference “only in the last week and a half” with the main nationalities flocking to their Overseas Terminal location being English, Irish and Welsh.
Doyles have been, according to Bond, busier on “certain days but not when the matches are on”.