Is state of origin a good investment?

Louise Upston announced:

In an historic moment, New Zealand will host its first-ever State of Origin match next year at Eden Park, a major event expected to draw thousands of international visitors and deliver a significant economic boost for Auckland. …

“Hosting State of Origin is expected to attract over 10,000 of our Aussie neighbours, generate more than 50,000 international visitor nights, and inject an estimated $17.4 million into the economy.

It has been reported that around $5 million was paid to have the game played here. There is a role for taxpayers to fund events which will bring people to NZ (as opposed to events that attract domestic tourism only).

But is $5 million for 10,000 tourists a good investment? That is $500 per tourist. Will the average Aussie really stay for five nights? If so, then yes the tax take off the increased economic activity probably means a good investment, but I am sceptical of these projections.

What I hope we see if hard data after the event around how many actual Australians purchased tickets for the game, and their average stay in NZ. That will guide us as to whether it was a good decision or not.

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