Overseas rugby fans smash World Cup ticket sales estimate
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New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup is expected to see an 11.8% increase in visitors this year, driven by overseas markets including the UK. The tournament’s organisers, RNZ 2011, had initially calculated that 85,000 people would travel to New Zealand for its opening on 9 September. However it has now released a revised figure of 95,000 following increased demand from offshore ticket sales. This includes 25,000 tickets from the UK & Ireland, 30,000 from Australia and 10,000 from both the French and Americas markets. “The upsurge in support from overseas fans is a strong sign of confidence in our ability to host the biggest sporting event New Zealand has ever held,” said Martin Snedden, CEO of RNZ 2011. “It also underlines what we have always said; that this tournament brings multiple economic benefits to our country as well as providing a priceless opportunity to show the best of New Zealand to the world.” Visitors are expected to stay for an average of 23 days and travel extensively around New Zealand. Forty four percent are expected to be first-time visitors to the country. To-date, ticket revenue has reached NZ$234 million (
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