Australia’s addiction to sports and success in winning hosting bids for major international sporting events are drawing record numbers of overseas visitors to Australia with hotels and tourism operators saying occupancy rates are soaring.

Although figures are still being collated, it’s estimated around 30,000 people travelled from overseas to watch AFC matches, and another 50,000 are expected down under for the cricket, according to a report on news.com.au. Other sources put overseas visitor figures at about 20,000 annually for the Australian Open and Grand Prix. In addition to this millions of sports fans around the world get to witness television broadcasts of Australia’s prowess in hosting these events and offers snippets of the great attractions the vast country has on offer.

The three major cities all saw occupancy spike over 7 per cent from last year, according to the report. Speaking to newss.com.au, Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer Simon McGrath said major sporting events played a vital role in growing the visitor economy.

“For many visitors the Asian Cup is not just about football, as it provides a unique incentive to visit Australia and tour around the country,” said Mr McGrath.

Australian Hotels Association CEO, Stephen Ferguson, told news.com.au that it was important the success of the big sporting events was recognised by governments at all levels.

“Events are not about ‘parties’, they are about business and jobs,” said Mr Ferguson. “What is now needed is more flexible working conditions to boost productivity, along with a strong international business events marketing program to make the most of the falling Australian dollar.”

However, there have been some media reports indicating that some travellers with no intention of attending matches are taking advantage of the relatively lenient visa arrangements for sporting events to gain entry into the host countries for work. The arrangements are particularly lenient for the ICC cricket world cup where a single 3-month visa is on offer for both Australia and New Zealand.

The New Zealand Herald was told of at least one person, a Chinese passport holder, who was allowed in after showing that he had a $20 e-ticket for the Bangladesh-Scotland cricket game in Nelson. But the man told an immigration adviser that he had no intention of going to the game, and had used the ticket only to support his case for entry - the man had a restaurant job waiting and had inquired about ways to stay in New Zealand permanently.