• Overseas tourists and domestic visitors spend more than $111 million on Melbourne accommodation
• Businesses around Melbourne Park precinct enjoy $74 million spending injection, 2% up on last year
• Accommodation group Ascott Australasia highlights significant 16% increase in demand during 2025 tournament

Record-breaking crowds at the Australian Open have served up a welcome spending boost to Melbourne’s economy with accommodation the big winner over the last fortnight.

International tourists and domestic visitors booked out hotels, motels and serviced apartments, spending more than $111 million on accommodation across Melbourne. Accommodation group Ascott Australasia highlighted a 16% jump in demand during the 2025 tournament.

Transaction data from Australia’s largest business bank, NAB, reveals a grand slam in consumer spending over the fortnight:

• More than $275 million was spent at Melbourne’s pubs, bars and restaurants over the fortnight.
• Melbourne’s bars experienced a 3% uplift in spending compared to the 2024 Australian Open.
• Businesses immediately surrounding the Melbourne Park precinct experienced a $74 million spending injection, up 2% on last year.
• Clothing and apparel spending at businesses surrounding Melbourne Park was up by 3% year on year.

NAB Business Banking Executive Julie Rynski said the Australian Open’s marquee event status drove positive economic benefits across the inner city and surrounds.

“Visitors from interstate and overseas flock to Melbourne for the tennis and take the opportunity to enjoy the best of the city’s vibrant culinary and cultural scene over the fortnight,” Ms Rynski said.

“We’re seeing crowd records broken and consumer spending growing year-on-year, cementing the event’s status as an all-important launchpad for businesses into the year ahead.

“The continued growth in spending translates to a real vibe which you can see and feel with booked out eateries and hotels, packed pubs and bars, lines for take away coffee and busier taxis and public transport.

“Major events like the Australian Open not only generate direct spending but also create a ripple effect with flow through benefits for the wider economy, retailers, transport services and tourism operators.

“This is a welcome boost to businesses given cost-of-living concerns. It’s clear people are making thoughtful spending changes through the year to save up, visit Melbourne and enjoy the city and the tennis,” Ms Rynski said.

Managing Director, Ascott Australasia and Chair of Accommodation Australia David Mansfield said the tournament was a boom for accommodation providers.

“The Australian Open has once again proven to be a transformative event for Melbourne’s hospitality and accommodation sectors, driving occupancy rates to record levels and surpassing the strong demand seen in previous years,” Mr Mansfield said.

Ascott’s Melbourne properties which include Quest Apartment Hotels, Citadines on Bourke, Oakwood Premier, and lyf Collingwood experienced a significant 16% increase in demand during this year’s tournament. Additionally, revenue per available room (RevPAR) saw a 13% increase compared to 2024, underscoring the event’s growing significance in driving revenue for the accommodation sector.

“The Australian Open doesn’t just fill hotels; it powers the entire tourism ecosystem. Every visitor who arrives in Melbourne spends on local bars, restaurants, attractions, and small businesses,” Mr Mansfield said.

“For the accommodation industry specifically, the event has highlighted the vital role our sector plays in supporting large-scale tourism and economic growth.

“As Chair of Accommodation Australia, I am thrilled to see how events like the Australian Open highlight the resilience, importance, and potential of the hospitality and tourism sectors.

“With each passing year, the Australian Open continues to grow in scale and influence. Its success reminds us of the importance of ongoing investment destination marketing, infrastructure, workforce development, and collaborative efforts between industry and government to ensure the tourism and accommodation sectors thrive well into the future,” Mr Mansfield said.

Notes to editors

• * Estimates taken from spend at NAB merchant terminals surrounding Melbourne Park and across Melbourne between 12 January and 26 January 2025.
• Pre-settlement data has been used to indicate trends and % movements. Final, exact figures are subject to change.