Telstra Rally Australia will have major economic impact on WA

30/10/99
While thousands of sports fans are eagerly anticipating Telstra Rally Australia, which starts next week, every Western Australian enjoys tangible benefits from the event.
Tourism Minister Norman Moore said today that the jewel in the crown of WA's sports tourism events would have an estimated economic impact of $22 million this year, as the biggest ever field of major international teams would contest 1999 Telstra Rally Australia from November 4-11.
Last year the event contributed $21.2 million to the Western Australian economy and attracted over 3,000 international and interstate visitors.
It generated nearly 27,000 visitor accommodation nights for the State. Apart from the hospitality industry, hire car companies, logistic service organisations and countless other small and large businesses catered to the teams and rally spectators.
Mr Moore said that with Finland's Tommi Makinen in a position to wrap-up an unprecedented fourth consecutive World Championship, more than last year's 120 million television viewers were likely to be watching images of Perth and Western Australia. About 400 media would also be sending reports and images to all corners of the globe.
French car-makers Peugeot and Renault were contesting the Australian round of the World Championship for the first time this year, and were expected to add to the event's visitor numbers.
The Minister said the FIA World Rally Championship teams brought between 40 and 50 personnel who stayed an average of 10 days. Budgets generally ran into millions of dollars, the bulk of which remained in WA. As well, most of the teams brought corporate guests and media from their home countries.
Mr Moore said that another big benefit to WA was the vast exposure the State received around the world.
"Images ranging from the beautiful Swan River, as a backdrop to the spectacular Langley Park Superstage, to the South-West forests, present WA as a picturesque and appealing tourist destination," he said.
"The competitors themselves, who are generally glowing in their praise of the event, the organisation, and WA, reinforce this positive image of the State to prospective visitors."
Mr Moore said that in an average year, Telstra Rally Australia contributed half the economic impact generated each year by the Best on Earth in Perth events run under the auspices of EventsCorp, the Government's major events agency.
EventsCorp was a finalist in the economic development category of the Premier's Awards in 1999.
Media contacts:
Steve Woodhouse
Marketing & Media Manager
Telstra Rally Australia
(08) 9270 3333
0417 926 975
Joanne Gorddard
Media & Promotions Co-ordinator
Telstra Rally Australia
(08) 9270 3333
0413 598 385
Hartley Joynt
Minister's Office
(08) 9321-1444
0419 982 508