Surf Lifesavers bring $23.8m to WA: McHale

The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships at Scarborough Beach brought a total of $23.8 million into Western Australia, more than three times what was predicted, Tourism Minister Sheila McHale has announced.

The full text of a ministerial announcement is pasted below

This year's Australian Surf Life Saving Championships at Scarborough Beach generated a massive $23.8 million to the Western Australian economy - significantly more than predicted.

Tourism Minister Sheila McHale today unveiled independent research demonstrating the outstanding success of the event, held from March 20 to 25.

"'Aussies 2007' attracted more than 14,400 visitors to WA, more than double the number predicted," Ms McHale said.

"The visitors came with their wallets, directly spending $23.8 million on services such as accommodation, transport, tours, shopping and entertainment.

"When we bid for the event, we expected a return of about $7million; instead we achieved more than three times that - about $13.30 return for every $1 invested.

"This is a real boon for the economy, particularly the tourism and hospitality industries, and bodes well for the future success of the 2008 and 2009 Aussies events in Perth.

"The majority of visitors travelled to WA from Queensland and New South Wales, and stayed an average of 10 nights."

Ms McHale said it was the first time Perth had hosted the Championships since 1991 and it was a valuable coup that WA had lured them to the west.

"Securing and supporting appropriate events is an important part of marketing WA as a tourism destination, as well as supporting the local tourism industry," Ms McHale said.