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It is estimated the last weekend’s Huskisson Triathlon Festival will inject $1.5 million into the local economy.
Shoalhaven tourism manager Coralie Bell said as the popular event continues to grow so does the rewards for the area.
“Last year it was estimated the event brought $1 million into the region. With the increased numbers at the weekend the estimates this year are closer to $1.5m,” Ms Bell said.
“This comes from accommodation, the food people eat while they are in town and extra jobs the event brings to the area.
“We use a complicated formula to come up with how much the event brings into the area.
“The event is growing year on year.”
Since its inception in 2006 the event has grown from 573 competitors to almost 5000 in 2017.
There was even an increase of 500 competitors on this year’s numbers compared to 2016.
Some interesting facts from the 12th Huskisson Triathlon Festival at the weekend include -
- 10 per cent of people taking part in the event come from the local area.
- 90 per cent of people taking part spend two or more nights in the region.
- 40 per cent of people had never been to the Shoalhaven before.
- 94 per cent of people said they would come to the area again - they love the region
- 90 per cent say next time they’ll try and bring family or friends to the event.
“These types of comments show why the event continues to grow year on year,” Ms Bell said.
“Asked if they [visitors] pay for accommodation or stay with friends, the majority said they pay for accommodation over the weekend.
“With competitors for Sunday’s event having to have their bikes registered by Saturday night, means they have to stay overnight.
“It also shows why the event is so critical to the region.”