Olympic spin-offs? Don't count on it, say Aussies

New Zealand tourism operators expecting immediate spin-offs from the Sydney Olympic Games are likely to be disappointed.

While Australia was expecting an extra 110,000 visitors to next month's Games, its overall tourist numbers were unlikely to exceed last September's figures, Australian Tourist Commission managing director John Morse told industry players in Wellington yesterday.

Mr Morse conceded ticket sales to the Olympics had been disappointing, with plenty of good seats left.

However, the industry remained confident the long-term benefits would be enormous, he said.

A recent survey showed Americans, in particular, were 46 per cent more likely to visit Australia over the next three years because of publicity about the Games. "That has profound implications for your industry as well."

Mr Morse also noted the commission was boosting its advertising in New Zealand.

It had stopped advertising on television several years ago, and found its brand and image "suffered dramatically."

Herald Online Olympics