- Tens of thousands of international visitors descend on Brisbane for highly anticipated Wallabies-Lions' rugby match.
- The Tour is expected to inject $55 million into the Queensland economy, with Brisbane's hotel occupancy rates nearing capacity.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a revolutionary 20 year tourism plan to grow Queensland's tourism to $84 billion in two decades.
The Crisafulli Government is diving into the rugby fever gripping Queensland's South East as tens of thousands of die-hard British and Irish Lions' fans descend on Brisbane for this weekend's clash with the Wallabies.
The first Test match is a game 12 years in the making and this Saturday Suncorp Stadium will roar to life with the next chapter in the Wallabies v British & Irish Lions' rivalry.
Rugby Australia estimates 40,000 Lions' fans are currently in Australia having travelled from the northern hemisphere to witness the spectacle.
The Tour is expected to inject $55 million into the local economy, with hotel occupancy rates expected to reach 94 per cent in Brisbane – and 80 per cent on the Gold Coast (STR data) – over the weekend.
Brisbane's King George Square is the epicentre for the passion, pride and energy of two proud rugby hemispheres, hosting the Lions Series Fan Zone, with former and current players on hand to meet fans.
As part of the Crisafulli Government's visionary tourism roadmap Destination 2045, a new dedicated events fund will support Queensland's vision to be Australia's home of events with more sport, concerns and culture included in the regions.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said it would be an unforgettable start to the Lions' Test match series.
"We are thrilled with the impact of the British and Irish Lions' Tour, which the Crisafulli Government is proud to be part of," Minister Powell said.
"The influx of visitors is making a major contribution to Queensland's visitor economy, with local cafes, accommodation and, of course, pubs all benefitting from people who've come to enjoy the rugby.
"As part of our visionary Destination 2045: Delivering Queensland's Tourism Future plan, there is a dedicated events fund, aimed at attracting big events like these to grow our tourism industry.
"The added benefit is the television coverage to millions of homes throughout the world, showcasing Queensland and all the wonderful things we have to see and do."
Minister for Sport, Racing and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the tour marks the start of Queensland's green and gold runway of sporting events.
"The British and Irish Lions tour is a stellar start to the major events for Rugby over the next decade, with the Mens Rugby World Cup coming in 2027, the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games." Minister Mander said.
"The atmosphere that the British and Irish Lions bring with them to our cities is remarkable, and it's incredible how passionate these fans are.
"This series is 12 years in the making, and where better to kick off a Lions tour than the best rectangular venue in the world- Suncorp Stadium.
"We want to ensure that Queensland hosts more of these events in the future, encouraging Queensland kids to get active through sports such as rugby."
