The Barfoot & Thompson ITU World Triathlon Grand Final exceeded targets in the economic returns to Auckland and New Zealand, as detailed in an independent report presented to Triathlon New Zealand and the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
The event itself was praised by the International Triathlon Union (ITU), with record numbers of participants. This was coupled with a smooth delivery of safe events in front of large and appreciative crowds live at the venue and watching worldwide on television.
The ITU lauded the event as one of the best World Championships ever hosted. The event attracted a record 5,208 participants and a global audience estimated by the ITU to be in the millions, with those competing and watching live on course endorsing the event as being of ‘world class standard’ in a post event survey.
Event CEO Dave Beeche said the report confirmed the economic value of such an event to the city of the Auckland and to New Zealand overall.
“From an event delivery point of view things went extremely well towards delivering our goal of the best world champs ever, thanks in no small part to the cooperative approach of key stakeholders and Triathlon New Zealand,” Beeche said.
“To exceed our forecasts and targets from an economic point of view is also extremely rewarding and did not occur by accident. It was always our aim to maximise the returns to Auckland and New Zealand with a high level of engagement with our participants and in particular the international visitors. It is through the combined efforts of the LOC and agencies such as ATEED and New Zealand Major Events that we have been so successful.”
ATEED General Manager Destination (Acting), Jennah Wootten congratulated the local organising committee on the successful management and delivery of the Barfoot & Thompson World Triathlon Grand Final Auckland.
“This is an excellent result and return on investment for Auckland and testament to the combined effort that an event of this scale requires not only from the event itself but also from businesses, residents and regional agencies,” Wootten said.
Economic Impact report findings reveal that the Barfoot & Thompson World Triathlon Grand Final Auckland 2012 generated NZ$7.41 million into the Auckland economy.
“The number of international and domestic visitors exceeded our expectations, with 5.6 nights as the average length of stay (in Auckland), visitors had plenty of time to experience what Auckland has to offer,” said Wootten.
Highlights in the report include:
- The event attracted 5,318 visitors to New Zealand, and 10,004 visitors to Auckland
- Average stay in New Zealand for international visitors was 11 nights, indicating that many travelled more widely after the event. The total number of visitor nights was 57,872
- Average stay in Auckland for international visitors was 5.6 nights; total number of visitor nights in Auckland was 55,592
- Generated NZ$12.48million GDP for NZ
- Generated NZ$7.4million GDP for Auckland (forecast was NZ$6.9million)
- Return on national investment was estimated at 307%
The event was presented under the umbrella of Triathlon New Zealand (Tri NZ), with CEO Craig Waugh pleased the initial forecasting had proven accurate.
“When Tri NZ bid for this event we undertook robust feasibility work to ensure that we could deliver a return to the community, both financially and through inspiring people to participate, both of which we have achieved,” said Waugh. “It is pleasing that this work has proven effective and we can stand tall.”
He added, “That process centred on real and accurate economic goals and predictions around a successful event and subsequent legacy planning which was achieved with the ITU World Series four year contract. Return on investment is critical when planning and event of this nature and when requesting funding support; I’m pleased we have exceeded expectations.”
New Zealand Major Events Manager Kylie Archer said she is delighted with the outcomes from the event.
“With the event generating NZ$12.48 million of GDP for the New Zealand economy and 57,872 visitor nights, it demonstrates the significant benefits that can be derived from events. The government is pleased to have provided the NZ$850,000 investment through its Major Events Development Fund and acknowledged the efforts of all those involved in delivering the event and securing these outcomes,” Archer said.
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