Travel Authority: Pope's Australia Visit 'Will Boost Sex Industry'

SYDNEY, New South Wales — A report by Australian travel industry analysts said that Australia's sex industry will get an increase in customers because of increased tourism brought about by the Catholic Church's "World Youth Day," according to website News.com.au.

"World Youth Day" is a week-long religious festival led by Pope Benedict XVI that starts July 15 in Sydney.

IBIS World senior industry analyst Ed Butler said the report did not suggest the 225,000 international pilgrims or clergy would be heading to brothels or strip clubs, but the event would also draw people from outside the church including tourists, support staff and media, and some of them would use the sex industry's services.

"Any major event will drive tourism, which is closely related to the sex industry… and World Youth Day will also bring out a certain number of non-religious people," Butler said. "Growth would be estimated to be greater, but the religious nature of the event is likely to have a dampening effect on growth rates, as many of the visitors may have moral anxieties relating to this particular industry's services."

Butler also said the pope's visit would give Sydney and Australia exposure in foreign markets, driving tourism growth after the event had finished.

Brothel madams who spoke to News.com.au expressed doubts that World Youth Day would be of benefit to their trade. World Youth Day organizers agreed.

“I’d be surprised if the sex industry gets a boost from a religious event,” a World Youth Day spokesman told News.com.au.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Orion Debuts New Style From Cottelli Lingerie

Orion Wholesale has added a new style from its Cottelli lingerie line.

Lady Dee Stars in Latest From Immoral

Lady Dee stars with Paul Stalker and Charlie Dean in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions.

Adult Time Drops 'Busting Porn Myths Vol. 1' Informational Video

Adult Time has released the first volume of its new Performer Center series, “Busting Porn Myths.”

Octavia Red Stars in Final Episode of Bree Mills' 'Escape From Camp Conversion' From Adult Time

Octavia Red stars in the final episode of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from Adult Time studio brand Girlcore.

Octokuro Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octokuro has made her Vampired debut alongside Sata Jones in “Vampirella Unleashed.”

The Cowgirl Debuts 'Saddle' Sex Machine

Cowgirl has introduced its new Saddle sex machine with attachments.

XR Brands Debuts 'Jock Enhancers' Collection

XR Brands has introduced its new Jock Enhancers line.

Natalia Starr Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Natalia Starr stars with Danny Mountain in the latest release from New Sensations.

Sabien DeMonia Drops Latest Evil Angel Directorial 'Depravation of Innocence'

Sabien DeMonia has dropped her latest directorial effort for Evil Angel, “Depravation of Innocence.”

Yhivi Makes Her Tushy Raw Debut

Yhivi has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Tushy Raw, alongside Dan Damage.

Show More