More International Visitors Expected in NZ for Rugby World Cup

Tournament organisers for the seventh Rugby World Cup are forecasting that on the basis of offshore ticket sales to date, New Zealand can expect 95,000 international visitors to arrive during the tournament which kicks off on Friday, 9 September 2011.

Previous estimates released last year had put the expected number of visitors at 85,000.

“This is tremendous news and a real sign of just how big Rugby World Cup 2011 will be for our country,” said RNZ 2011 CEO Martin Snedden. “The upsurge in support from overseas fans is a strong sign of confidence in our ability to host the biggest sporting event New Zealand has ever held. It also underlines what we have always said; that this tournament brings multiple economic benefits to our country as well as providing a priceless opportunity to show the best of New Zealand to the world.”

Offshore Ticket Purchasers

The latest analysis of RNZ 2011 ticket sales data shows visitors are coming from more than 100 countries during the six week tournament.

More than 30,000 fans are expected from across the Tasman while expected visitor numbers have also been strong from traditional rugby markets such as the UK, France and Ireland.

“We are expecting around 25,000 fans from the UK and Ireland and another 10,000 from France,” said Mr Snedden. “It’s also terrific to see good numbers coming from the Americas, and that USA, Canada and Argentina will be well supported. Our estimates suggest 10,000 from these countries.”

Previous analysis suggested visitors on average will stay 23 days, travel extensively around New Zealand and 44% will be first-time visitors.

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