The Tasmanian Liberal Government has set a target of 1.5 million visitors by 2020 and securing world class sports events helps to promote our island state to a global audience.
Today I am delighted to announce that Tasmania, and more specifically Derby, will host a round of the Mountain Bikes Enduro World Series in April 2017.
Through Events Tasmania and in partnership with the Dorset Council, Tourism Tasmania and Tourism Northern Tasmania, this will be the first time a round of the EWS has been held in Australia.
It is expected to attract up to 2000 riders, support crews and spectators to Tasmania – including a contingent of 50-60 journalists and photographers who will spread the word about our magnificent state.
Importantly, this event is outside the peak summer tourism period so it should extend the season through to Easter 2017 and generate thousands of bed nights from St Helens through Derby and the North-East and into Launceston.
The Enduro World Series is like the Formula 1 of Mountain Bikes with the majority of events held in Europe, North America and South America and includes riders and teams from more than 30 countries.
It is common for visitation to double in regions that host a round of the EWS during the following year as mountain bike enthusiasts follow their MTB heroes around the globe. We also expect many of visitors next year to take the opportunity spend an extended stay in Tasmania and further boost tourism in all regions.
The Blue Derby MTB tracks have already attracted 21,000 visitors and breathed new life into this former tin mining town. This EWS event will give North-East Tasmania a further boost.
By getting the State Budget back on track, the Tasmanian Government is able to move quickly to invest $100,000 to secure world-class events like the Enduro World Series which will help to grow our surging tourism numbers and create jobs in regional Tasmania.
Will Hodgman, Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events
