Taylor Swift helped break a massive record for the state of Victoria following her three sold-out concerts at the MCG in February.
The Australian Open, the Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne and the record-breaking Eras Tour contributed $39.3 billion to the state’s economy in the year to March.
According to the Herald of the sunNew figures to be released on Wednesday indicate Melbourne’s visitor economy rose by $1.5 billion in the most recent quarter, after hitting $37.8 billion in December.
Tourism Research Australia’s Domestic and International Visitor Survey shows international tourist spending of $7.8 billion over the course of the 12-month period, an 86% increase year-on-year, supported the boom.
Additionally, Melbourne ranked first in Australia for overnight interstate travel, with 3.9 million tourists spending $5.1 billion between April last year and the end of March.
Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the industry was “booming”.
“These record numbers are a testament to our outstanding tourism, hospitality and events workforce and the work they do day in and day out to ensure our state is the preferred destination for travelers from around the world,” he told the publication.
Swift, 34, sent fans into a frenzy by declaring: “Melbourne, you are the love of my life” during a show in the Victorian capital.
Taylor Swift, 34, (pictured) helped break a massive record for the state of Victoria following her three sold-out MCG concerts in February.
She told the crowd: ‘Some stadium girl math for you… 96,000 people the first night, 96,000 people the second night. 96,000 people tonight.
“Those are the biggest shows I’ve ever played on tour and you did it three times,” he added.
“Estimates say it’s 288,000 people in three nights, Melbourne. You’re the love of my life.”
The Australian Open, the Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne and Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour contributed $39.3 billion to the state’s economy in the year to March.
Melbourne returned the love by giving Swift a minute-long standing ovation.
“That’s unforgettable for me, I’ll never forget it,” Swift said excitedly.
Fans at Taylor’s first concert at Melbourne Cricket Ground also got to hear the singer’s world-first announcement that the special edition of The Tortured Poets Department would include a new song called The Bolter.