Taylor Swift helped break a massive record for the state of Victoria following her three sold out MCG concerts in February.
The Australian Open, the Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne, and Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour contributed $39.3 billion to the state’s economy in the year ending in March.
According to the Herald Sun, new figures to be released on Wednesday indicate Melbourne’s visitor economy increased by $1.5 billion in the most recent quarter, after reaching $37.8 billion in December.
Tourism Research Australia’s National and International Visitor Survey shows that international tourists’ expenditure of $7.8 billion during the course of the 12-month period, an increase of 86% year over year, supported the boom.
In addition, Melbourne ranked first in Australia for interstate overnight travel, with 3.9 million tourists who spent $5.1 billion between April of last year and the end of March.
Victoria’s Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister 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 put in day in, day out to ensure our state is the go-to destination for travellers from all over the world,’ he told the publication.
Swift, 34, sent fans wild by declaring, ‘Melbourne, you’re 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 all the biggest shows I’ve ever played on a tour and you did it three times,’ she added.
‘The math is that it’s 288,000 people in three nights, Melbourne. You are 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 ending in March
Melbourne returned the love by giving Swift a minute-long ovation.
‘That’s unforgettable for me, I’ll never forget it,’ declared an emotional Swift.
Fans at Taylor’s first Melbourne Cricket Ground concert were also treated to a world-first announcement by the songstress that the special edition of The Tortured Poets Department would feature a new song called The Bolter.
