Perth residents’ reaction to Coldplay could see government spending big bucks on more exclusive concerts

Coldplay fans don’t care how much the Cook Government spent enticing the superstar band to Perth, according to a new Tourism Council WA survey.

A Tourism Council WA survey of 800 West Australians — conducted two weeks after the band’s November performances at Optus Stadium — showed 67 per cent of respondents agreed with the government’s investment, rumoured to be in the millions of dollars.

“Clearly, Western Australians appreciate that Coldplay was an economic investment in jobs and tourism towns — not just an investment in a great night out,” Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said.

Tourism Council WA had previously estimated the two sold out concerts would inject $68 million into the WA economy.

But Mr Hall said it was now believed that figure was even greater.

“Concertgoers booked out hotels in the Perth CBD, providing a major economic boost and creating jobs in Perth and regional WA,” Mr Hall said.

“We now expect the economic gain of Coldplay concerts will exceed the $68 million estimate as more higher spending international visitors attended and visitors seem to have stayed longer in WA.”

Coldplay played to sell-out audiences in two concerts at the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium in November.

Before Coldplay’s first show wrapped up on the Saturday night, frontman Chris Martin paid tribute to WA with a short song about the State, referencing fellow music icons Tame Impala and former Australian cricketer Justin Langer.

How much the Cook Government spent enticing Coldplay to Perth is a tightly held secret.

The government has also shelled out big bucks to stage the WWE wrestling extravaganza, Elimination Chamber, in Perth in February.

WWE sensation, Australian Rhea Ripley was in Perth this week to do some in-house promotional work for the event.

“The tourism industry is looking forward to WWE Elimination Chamber in February to kickstart the major events calendar in 2024,” Mr Hall said.

“Major entertainment acts exclusive to WA ensure an influx of interstate and international travellers to WA, generating jobs and an economic boost to the local tourism industry.

“The survey showed 31 per cent of respondents strongly agreed with the (Coldplay) investment, 35 per cent somewhat agreed, 25 per cent neither agreed or agreed and only 8 per cent disagreed.”

Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said the government “know the value and hugely positive impact that major events have on our local economy”.

“It’s why they form such an important part of our overarching tourism strategy, so it’s really fantastic that Western Australians appreciate and see that too,” she said.

“We’re always looking at what’s next and of course, we’ve got our exclusive WWE Premium Live Event coming up on 24 February which we’re very excited about.

“We also expect to see millions of dollars in visitor spend pumped into our local economy as a result of this blockbuster, with thousands of out-of-state fans travelling to Perth, so there’s really no slowing down.”