Rugby union Test match between South Africa and Australia on July 18 almost sold out

29/5/98

The rugby union Test match between South Africa and Australia at Subiaco Oval on July 18 is almost sold out.

Tourism Minister Norman Moore said that strong local, interstate and overseas interest meant that only a few thousand standing room tickets were left.

More than 1000 people were expected to make the trip to Perth for the Tri-Nations series Test and there had been strong interest from the eastern states.

He said organisers now were confidently predicting a crowd of about 40,000 for the historic clash.

"Not only will this be the first time that rugby of this level has headed west, but this also will be the only chance people will have to see the Wallabies and Springboks clash on Australian soil this year," Mr Moore said.

The big crowd again highlighted the success of the Best on Earth in Perth major event series which last year and early this year saw 12 major events in 12 months produce an economic impact for the State of more than $80 million.

The Tri-Nations Test was one of 10 world-class events in the ongoing Best on Earth in Perth series which was expected to generate further millions of dollars for the State.

The Minister said the innovative Brand WA strategy of the Western Australian Tourism Commission highlighted international events as a powerful tourism marketing tool for the State.

"These events provide the type of world exposure for Western Australia no other advertising can," Mr Moore said.

"With each event, images of Western Australia are beamed to millions of people across the globe."

Mr Moore said such exposure was particularly valuable in the face of the Asian economic downturn.

He said that event coverage, coupled with targeted marketing campaigns, would further enhance the State's profile in its key tourism markets.

It also was an exciting chance for WA sports fans to see world-class rugby first-hand.

He also said that all spectators at the match would receive a special Rugby Passport booklet.

This would have match details as well as valuable discounts to a range of services offered in Perth.

The Minister said it was a initiative of Eventscorp and industry in co-operation with the Australian Rugby Union to maximise the benefits from hosting this high-profile event.

Mr Moore said that as part of the preparations for the Test, numerous lead-up events were planned.

The first is the Australian Rugby Review's Long Lunch to be held today (May 29) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Special guests will include Wallaby players Phil Kearns and John Welborn.

Media contact: Hartley Joynt, Minister's office, 08 9 321 1444