Auckland scores hat trick of major international sporting events
Region’s hoteliers brace for huge influx of visiting fans across 18-month period
One of the longest lockdowns in the world will soon be just a distant memory as the Auckland accommodation sector prepares to be swamped with teams and visitors participating in three major women’s international sporting events taking place over the next 18 months.
With the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 already confirmed and Rugby World Cup 2021 kicking off in October, football’s international governing body FIFA has confirmed a total of nine FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand matches will take place in Auckland between July and August 2023.
A delighted Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has welcomed the announcement as the Auckland region shifts to the new traffic light system after a punishing 107 day of lockdown.
“One of the largest sporting events ever held in Auckland and New Zealand, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will bring tens of thousands of fans to our region and an estimated $60 million boost to our GDP,” he said.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup alone will help boost our hospitality industry, contributing millions to Auckland’s regional economy and driving more than 100,000 visitor nights, directly benefitting businesses and sectors hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“In 2023, all eyes will be on Tāmaki Makaurau, and we have a chance to showcase our region and all it offers to the world,” Mayor Goff says.
Auckland Unlimited Director – Arts, Entertainment and Events, Richard Clarke said hosting three women’s World Cups across 2022 and 2023 will be an unprecedented opportunity not only for Auckland, but for women and girls in sport, says
“Auckland is calling, and we can’t wait to welcome the world’s best female athletes to our shores. There is a lot to look forward to over the next 18 months and we are working closely with event partners and a variety of stakeholders to develop an inclusive and inviting host city campaign that plays a key role in reactivating Auckland and driving the benefits of hosting throughout the region,” he said.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will leave a significant legacy for Auckland – from stadium and training venue upgrades to engaging and inspiring our communities through sport and bolstering Auckland’s expertise in the major events sector,” Richard Clarke says.
The tournament will also be the first FIFA Women’s World Cup held in the Southern Hemisphere, and the first time the event has been jointly hosted by two confederations.
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
