Coldplay’s concerts set to bring in $68 million for WA as 40,000 out-of-state visitors estimated to visit

The Coldplay extravaganza in Perth is set to reap WA a $68 million cash cow, new figures show. Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall has crunched the figures and estimates nearly $70 million will come WA’s way when Coldplay play two concerts at Optus Stadium on November 18 and 19. The tourism council estimates 40,000 out-of-state visitors to WA for the concerts, expecting visitors to spend on average four nights in WA. “Coming over from interstate, from Sydney and Melbourne which will be the top two places that people will be coming from, it is a trip for them,” he said. “They are not going to do a five hour flight and watch the concert and go back home. “We will get a good chunk of people coming to WA for the concerts and then having a holiday.” He said hotels and other accommodation venues in Perth and other parts of the state were reporting heavy bookings for the concerts. “Our economic modelling shows that ($68 million) estimated expenditure,” he said. The Coldplay concerts are exclusive to Australia. It’s not known what the WA Government has spent enticing Coldplay to Perth, but Mr Hall said the money was worth it. He said a phone survey of West Australians some weeks ago showed support for government investment in bringing big entertainment acts to the state. “The State Government attracting major entertainment acts is fantastic for the tourism industry and will create jobs in Perth and regional WA,” Mr Hall said. He said the Coldplay concerts were expected to create “495 full-time equivalent jobs”. New Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti has already said she was thinking big in regard to bringing international events to Perth. For example, she says she would love her beloved Inter Milan to play in Perth. Perth has already shown itself to be a big-time player in bringing big sporting and entertainment acts to Perth. A UFC spectacular in February, along with performances by Sting and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, attracted more than 9000 people, with a total hotel room weekend spend of about $6 million. Ms Saffioti said holding big events in WA was already paying dividends. “We want to see our events calendar continue to grow, which is why we invested an additional $10 million towards holding major events in the last state budget,” she said. Coldplay will be in an incredible event for Western Australia. “Two world-exclusive shows at Optus Stadium attended by more than 100,000 people, thousands of them from interstate and overseas. “All of those visitors will spending money in our shops, restaurants, cafes and bars – helping stimulate our economy and create jobs. “These blockbuster events together with an ongoing calendar of home grown events are a priority for our government. We want to make sure there is a reason to visit Western Australia every month and every season.” A spokesperson for the the Australian Hotels Association WA said WA had developed “an enviable reputation for hosting some of the most sought-after major events in Australia”. “Major events are playing a critical role in the recovery of our tourism sector, bringing thousands of interstate and international visitors to WA,” the spokesperson said. “They provide an immediate injection to hotels and hospitality venues, while delivering excellent exposure of the state to global audiences. “The recent state budget included additional funds to ensure WA can continue to bid for and secure these major events, which is great news for WA’s hotels, bars, pubs, taverns and restaurants.”