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Melbourne is preparing for a summer surge, with the 2026 Australian Open (AO) forecast to inject more than $600 million into the city’s economy as hundreds of thousands of fans descend on the sporting capital.
New NAB analysis shows the two-week tennis spectacular will deliver a major boost for Melbourne businesses, with hospitality, retail and accommodation operators expected to see a sharp uplift in activity across key precincts. NAB merchant terminal data from the 2025 tournament shows just how powerful the AO effect is. In the first two weeks of last year’s event, Richmond recorded a 90% surge in accommodation turnover and an 18% jump in restaurant spend. In South Yarra, accommodation grew by more than 50%, restaurant spend lifted 17% and retail surged 25%. East Melbourne also posted strong gains, with accommodation up 34% and restaurant turnover rising 25%. NAB Executive Business Metro & Specialised Julie Rynski said the Australian Open has evolved well beyond world-class tennis. “The Australian Open has truly become the ‘Happy Slam’ and is no longer just purely a tennis tournament – it’s a full-blown summer festival,” Ms Rynski said. “From world class matches to kids’ zones, immersive activations, a huge live music program and the city’s hottest restaurants setting up at Melbourne Park, the AO now attracts fans who want the full experience and that’s brilliant news for Melbourne businesses.” Ms Rynski said the expanding entertainment program and family-friendly precincts meant the AO now drew a much broader audience. “Families come for the kids’ activities, music lovers come for the nightly entertainment, and foodies come because some of Melbourne’s most-loved venues are serving up meals right beside the courts,” she said. “That mix means more visitors, more spend and a bigger boost across retail, hospitality and accommodation. The Happy Slam energy doesn’t stop at Melbourne Park – it spills across the entire city.” Fans are also being warned to watch out for ticket scams as demand for sold-out sessions intensifies. “Unfortunately, criminals will target tennis fans desperate for tickets. If you see tickets for sale on social media, that’s a major red flag – only buy from authorised resellers,” Ms Rynski said. Local businesses are already gearing up for the influx. David Makin, owner and founder of Axil Coffee Roasters, said his business is preparing for an extremely busy fortnight. “The Australian Open is always a great way to kick off the year! With the city buzzing and international visitors in town, we see strong trade throughout the day across our cafes,” Mr Makin said. “At Axil, we always pride ourselves on consistency, excellent quality and great service – especially during peak times like the Australian Open.” The Australian Open joins a stellar lineup of major Melbourne events – including the AFL finals series and Formula 1 Grand Prix – which collectively contribute billions to Victoria’s economy each year. |
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