A TOURISM boost of up to $1.5 million is expected for the Swan Hill region by Tennis Victoria Country Week.
Murray Downs Golf & Country Club chief executive and Murray Regional Tourism deputy chair Greg Roberts said the economic benefits would be felt town-wide.
“Because of the number of people that this brings to town, this event has a big impact on the entire visitor economy,” he said.
“It’s things like accommodation, restaurants, petrol stations and supermarkets.
“When people are in town for a week, they might pop down and get a haircut spontaneously.
“Everybody right across the board benefits, and that money coming in gets spread across the entirety of the community.
“From a tourism perspective it is critical to our town. These are the sorts of events that give the whole town a real kick.
“Everyone feels the love with an event this size.”
Mayor Stuart King said Swan Hill Council had already begun preparations for the expected influx.
“With the Pro Tour events, and other tennis that now comes to town because of the great facilities here, we’ve got a really bright future to look forward to in terms of this facility,” he said.
“Country Week is a chance to showcase our wonderful municipality and encourage visitors to explore our region and all it has to offer.
“Council have already started planning, not only for the tennis club but for the whole Ken Harrison Reserve, to support this precinct into the future.”
