Brisbane hosting the 2032 Olympics would provide a golden opportunity for the city to cement itself as a world class city and tourist destination, according to the National Retail Association (NRA).
This evening the International Olympic Committee is expected to confirm the ‘River City’ as the hosts for the 2032 Games when it meets in Tokyo.
NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said the Olympics would enhance Brisbane’s profile on the international map, but the infrastructure would need to be put in place to cash in on the opportunity.
“Brisbane hosting the 2032 Olympics would present a golden opportunity for the entire South East Queensland economy,” Ms Lamb said.
“We won’t have to wait until the actual games in 2032 either, the announcement itself will have people right around the world looking at Brisbane as a place to visit once international borders reopen.
“But the necessary infrastructure needs to begin to be put in place immediately so that tourists can navigate easily across the southeast. This means investing in roads and public transport that makes it convenient travelling between the three key centres of the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast.
“The southeast already has the climate and picturesque scenery to attract international tourists, now we just need to ensure we put the infrastructure pillars in place to cash-in on this moment.”
Ms Lamb also said Brisbane being announced as Olympic hosts would enhance the city’s ability to attract high-profile, international retailers.
“Projects such as Queen’s Wharf is already putting Brisbane firmly in the sights of international retailers, but the Olympics would only heighten the appetite of high-profile brands to descend on the River City,” Ms Lamb said.
“The Olympics represents a chance to fundamentally change Brisbane’s retail scene. It would provide a cash bonanza for small and local businesses, while attracting some of the world’s leading retail brands.”