Victoria needs support in wake of cancelled Commonwealth Games

Ballarat

As Regional Victoria reels from the cancellation of the much-anticipated 2026 Commonwealth Games, host cities will need to be supported as many now find their future plans in doubt. 

Victoria Tourism Industry Council CEO Felicia Mariani said that while the cancellation of the Games was disappointing, it was not a surprise. 

“With the plans to host these Games in five regions across the state, this project faced many challenges from the outset. 

From the perspective of housing spectators and athletes, to managing the logistics and transport arrangements to move people across the state, the hurdles to overcome in the delivering this approach have been highly ambitious, particularly considering the tight timelines to March 2026. 

“While the initial budget of $2.6 billion to host the Games was allocated, it became clear that building infrastructure in five regional locations was a monumental challenge that would cost far more than initially predicted. 

The host regions will suffer, not just from the visitors they expected to welcome in this period, but also the global exposure they expected to receive. 

“The biggest risk right now for Victoria will be in managing the reputational fallout as a destination for hosting major international events. Pulling the pin at such a crucial time on a major event like this will create concern that needs to be managed carefully. 

“It is welcome to see that a $2 billion package of support has been made available for those regions and we hope that the investment will be directed where it is most needed,” Ms Mariani said. 

VTIC looks forward to working with the Government as it unveils plans to deliver a significant regional tourism fund in the aftermath of this decision. 

According to the latest National Visitor Survey/International Visitor Survey data released by Tourism Research Australia, total tourism spend in Victoria has hit $35 billion, 15 months ahead of targets set for the industry in the Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan. 

“We want to see our industry continue that trajectory and with this government package we need to ensure that the investment focuses on creating and delivering amazing tourism experiences all across Victoria.”

* Anne Wright, Senior Adviser, CPR,  a.wright@cprcomm.com.au
www.cprcomm.com.au