Auckland: The Rugby World Cup is likely to bring an extra $491 million (Dh1.80 billion) directly into the New Zealand economy but it could be worth $1.21 billion to the country in the longer term, according to a report commissioned by tournament sponsors Mastercard.
Rugby's quadrennial showpiece event, which is in New Zealand for the second time and runs until October 23, will also generate $1.67 billion for the global sports economy, according to the report released Tuesday.
The tournament will attract some 95,000 visitors to New Zealand and longer term benefits will accrue to the country from increased tourism and an improved reputation as a host of major sporting events, the report said.
New Zealand's sports economy has already grown dramatically over the last decade and the report predicts that before the end of the decade spending in the sector could be worth $11.7 billion with up to 58,000 employed.
"New Zealand 2011 is likely to be one of the most distinctive rugby World Cups yet, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," concluded the report, conducted by the Centre for the International Business of Sport at Britain's Coventry University.
New Zealand has spent some NZ$550 million (Dh1.65 billion) on upgrading venues for the event and will spend about NZ$310 million on licensing and tournament costs, while they hope to recoup some NZ$270 million from ticket sales.
