Thousands of Indian travellers and cricket enthusiasts from home and abroad will descend on Brisbane next year with the Gabba confirmed to host an India v Australia Test Match.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey welcomed the announcement made by Cricket Australia last night.

“I am delighted Queensland will host an India v Australia Test Match in 2014, the first time since 2003 these two countries have competed in a test at the Gabba,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The State will also benefit from tourism opportunities associated with the match, promoting Brisbane and Queensland to cricket fans both here as well as overseas via international broadcasts.”

“Supporting major international sporting events such as this is just one way the Newman Government is working toward the goal of doubling annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.

“The Test will be part of a year of high profile sporting events for Queensland with Roger Federer recently announcing he will compete at the Brisbane International in 2014.”

Ms Stuckey said India was an important international tourism market with Queensland welcoming 36,000 Indians in the year to June 2013, an increase of 20 per cent compared with the year prior.  

“Tourism Research Australia data also indicates Indian travellers to Queensland spent $68 million during the past financial year, also an increase of 20 per cent,” she said.

Sports Minister, Steve Dickson welcomed the announcement by Cricket Australia last night.

“The Gabba is a world class ground and represents a stronghold for the Australian team,” Mr Dickson said.

“Queensland is renowned for successfully hosting major sporting events, particularly test cricket as part of the international summer series, a tradition that I’m thrilled will continue.”

The Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland will work in partnership with Cricket Australia, Queensland Cricket and Brisbane Marketing to support the Test for the State.