Melbourne has been revealed as the likely host of the Commonwealth Games in 2026.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Victorian Government has been approached by the Commonwealth Games Federation in a desperate attempt to secure a host city.
These developments come following Durban's withdrawal from hosting the 2022 games, with Birmingham filling the vacant slot instead of staging the event as originally scheduled in 2026.
Melbourne last hosted the Games in 2006, with the Gold Coast the most recent Australian hosts in 2018.
Now that Melbourne remains the only Australian city interested, the Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that the state government will have a significant influence on the terms of the deal.
The 5000 competing athletes would likely be housed in existing hotels, with the event to be simplified and incorporate regional cities and existing sporting facilities.
Speaking to the Herald Sun, Victoria Tourism Industry Council chief Felicia Mariani believes securing the Commonwealth Games would be a significant boost to the state's economic recovery post-COVID.
“This could be just the best thing,’ Mariani said.
“It would be just the shot in the arm the industry needs.
"When big events like this come along, we come together like no one else to make it happen.”
