Tourism Australia concerned over sport’s image
Tourism Australia is fearful that the doping concerns among the nation’s sportsmen may harm its tourism industry.
An Australian Crime Commission report has found that performance-enhancing supplements have been given to players in some sporting codes.
At least 20,000 rugby fans are expected to visit Australia this winter to watch the British and Irish Lions’ rugby tour, including a three Test series against the Wallabies.
And English cricket fans – the Barmy Army – will arrive in November for the 2013/14 Ashes cricket series.
But recent allegations of doping by athletes and sport’s links to organised crime may impact the number of visitors, Tourism Australia suggests.
"Ultimately, anything that sends over a detrimental image of Australia has an impact," TA’s consumer marketing general manager Nick Baker told AAP.
He urged overseas visitors to maintain a sense of perspective when reading or viewing media coverage of the unfolding scandal.
"Because there’s always the doubt and always the hype."
Ian Jarrett
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