Challenge Almere-Amsterdam 2014 had a reported economic impact of €1.1 million last September. Sportservice Flevoland carried out the research by looking at the spending of visitors as well as the organization itself during and surrounding the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam weekend of 12-14 September 2014.
The economic impact reportedly rose by 37.5% on the impact measured in 2013 (€800,000).
The research was carried out according to the national WESP-method (evaluation of sport events) and took into account the additional spending of visitors. The visitors whom were questioned for this research originated from the Netherlands as well as foreign countries. They spent approximately €59.11 per person, mostly on food and drinks. Almost 20% of the visitors stayed in a hotel in Almere and in surrounding areas.
Think local, act local
By hiring companies and services from the region itself, Challenge Almere-Amsterdam spent mostly in the Flevoland area. The organizers note that this local focus creates support for the race itself as well as maximizing its economic impact.
According to Commercial Director Jort Vlam, “The organization behind Challenge Almere-Amsterdam is pleased with the results of the research and the economic surplus the triathlon provides the city and province with. The increase in both economic impact and competing athletes and visitors shows that we’ve chosen the right path with our triathlon.”
ETU partnership
As the host city of the 2014 ETU European Long Distance Triathlon Championships, Challenge Almere-Amsterdam was boosted by a further influx of athletes. The official ETU European Long Distance Triathlon Championships took place at Challenge Almere-Amsterdam on 13 September 2014. In tandem, Challenge Almere also played host to the 2014 Dutch Championships.
Almere has a long standing history in the sport of triathlon. Alongside the main Challenge Almere-Amsterdam event, in 2014, Almere was the host of the ETU European championships for the third time, with a World Championship having already being held once in this Dutch city that is renowned for its dykes and electricity producing windmills.
Challenge Almere-Amsterdam is the third Challenge Family race to host long distance championships, sharing the honour with DATEV Challenge Roth and Challenge Vichy since a partnership between ETU and Challenge Family began in 2012.
Spectator friendly event
In 2014, spectators had lots of opportunities to follow the races across the weekend, both live on the course and from their homes.
The Esplanade was the highlight of festivities, well into the evening as even the last of finishers were welcomed with great applause. Live coverage was visible on the big screen in the finish line area and on the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam website (www.challenge-almere.com or live.challenge-almere.com).
For those on the road, there was also a newly launched app, containing updates and information during race day. The Challenge Almere-Amsterdam app could be downloaded for free via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Challenge Almere-Amsterdam 2015
Challenge Almere-Amsterdam 2015 will take place on Saturday 12 September 2015. Alongside the long distance event, many other races will take place during the weekend of 11-13 September, such as the Junior Challenge, Senior Challenge and Business & Family Relays. Furthermore, Dutch teams will compete during Premier League finals on Sunday 12 September.
