Fed: Hockey welcomes rugby world cup = 2

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Fed: Hockey welcomes rugby world cup = 2

Australian Tourist Commission executive general manager Stephen O'Neill said the RugbyWorld Cup would deliver a multi-million dollar kick for the tourism industry.

"Tickets to the Rugby World Cup (RWC) in Australia will be in high demand and we areexpecting around 40,000 international tourists spending up to $300 million during theirstay," he said in a statement.

"They say rugby is the game they play in heaven - well, they're coming to the right place!

"This is the most important event to be held in Australia since the Olympic Games andthe biggest sporting event in the world for 2003, providing a great opportunity to boostinternational visitation and keep Australia in the world's spotlight."

As well, more than 1.3 billion people would watch the tournament on television, whereAustralia could be showcased as a sporting and holiday destination.

Mr O'Neill said the ATC had joined forces with the Australian Rugby Union and the TourismTask Force to form the Rugby - Tourism Advisory Group (R-TAG), a strategic planning forum.

AAP fh/rs

KEYWORD: RUGBY WORLD HOCKEY 2 BRISBANE (REOPENS)