World triathlon to add to $50 million already generated by events in Western Australia

27/4/00
Tourism Minister Norman Moore said today that the State's economy had received a boost of nearly $50 million as a result of several world-class events staged in Western Australia in the past six months.
Mr Moore was speaking on the eve of the ITU World Triathlon Championship, which is expected to provide a further $14 million impact for Western Australia.
About 1,500 competitors will take part in the championship which will be centred on Langley Park and the Swan River next Sunday, April 30.
Mr Moore said three of the events already held - Telstra Rally Australia, the Australian University Games and the Pan-Pacific Masters Swimming Championships - were all part of The Best on Earth in Perth calendar put on by EventsCorp during October/November last year.
Independent research commissioned by EventsCorp showed those three events had a total economic impact - or flow-on economic benefits - of more than $36 million.
The Minister said all three events had exceeded their targeted amounts, bringing in better than expected economic impacts.
In addition, two other Best on Earth in Perth events generated a regular economic impact of nearly $13 million - the Heineken Classic golf tournament ($7.1 million) and the Hopman Cup tennis ($5.6 million).
"In addition to this economic impact, these events attract international and national media exposure, adding value to the tourism benefits for WA," Mr Moore said.
He said Telstra Rally Australia provided the biggest economic spin-offs, with a total economic impact of more than $23 million - an increase of 10 per cent on the previous year.
The rally had a big impact on accommodation and tourism - participants spent an estimated 45,849 visitor nights in WA.
The research revealed that nearly all visiting teams, media personnel, officials and spectators participated in other tourist activities during their stay.
Mr Moore said the Australian University Games had provided a total economic impact of $10.3 million.
The Pan-Pacific Masters Swimming Championships had resulted in a total economic impact of $2.6 million.
Media contact: Hartley Joynt, Minister's office, 9321 1444