The State Government has signed a two-year deal to fund the SunSmart Busselton Festival of Triathlon in 2018 and 2019.
The main attraction of the festival is the Ironman 70.3 Busselton triathlon, which is the biggest Ironman 70.3 event in the Southern Hemisphere and the world’s fastest growing endurance sport race.
The 2017 festival attracted thousands of spectators, as well as 2,450 individual competitors, 200 teams and 26 professional athletes from 19 countries, delivering about $5 million to the local economy.
The triathlon takes athletes on a challenging course which showcases some of the South West’s most picturesque locations.
Starting at the Busselton Jetty, triathletes compete in a 1.9 kilometre swim, a 90.1km bike ride through the Tuart Forest and a 21.1 kilometre run along the stunning foreshore.
It also features a kids’ triathlon, an open water swim, a fun run, and a health and lifestyle expo.
The Busselton Festival of Triathlon will run from May 4 to 6, and is funded by the State Government through Tourism WA’s regional events program, which is supported by Royalties for Regions.
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said the State Government was pleased to support this event and looked forward to welcoming the competitors, their family and friends to Busselton.
“The 2018 event is expected to attract thousands of people and contribute millions to the region’s economy,” he said.
“Tourism is a key pillar of the state government’s plan to diversify the economy, create jobs and develop business opportunities.
“We have a two-year action plan in place to help us attract more visitors to WA, encourage them to stay longer, disperse further and do more while they are here.”
