Tour Operators Open their Hearts and Doors to the Sunshine Coast's Noosa Triathlon

It's Australia's largest triathlon --attracting over 14,000 competitors, 50,000 spectators, and injecting millions of dollars into the Sunshine Coast economy. Is it any wonder that local tour operators love the Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival?

As the world's second largest Olympic Distance Triathlon, behind the London Triathlon, the Noosa Triathlon has become an incredibly influential tourism destination event, attracting interstate and international visitors. This year's festival is expected to attract $19 million of 'direct spend' on the Sunshine Coast.

"Most of the accommodation houses from Mooloolaba to Noosa have been booked out for months in advance some were booked a year out. It's not just the hotels that get an economic boost from the festival it's also the local cafes, transport operators and retailers," said Steve Cooper, CEO of Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd (SCDL).

The event is also significant to the Sunshine Coast health and medical industry according to USM Events CEO Geoff Meyer.

"Many of the athletes book in for a last minute massage or adjustment ahead of the big race, which means great business for local physiotherapists and chiropractors. And, as you can imagine, there are also a fair few weary bodies in need of some TLC after the event," Mr Meyer said.

"The festival has become a 365-day boost to the Coast economy thanks to regular tri training camps that are held in the region that attract hundreds of participants," he said.

The Noosa Tri has done such a good job of showcasing the region that now several of the sport's international competitors choose to base themselves on the Sunshine Coast for many months of the year...some have even moved here permanently including ironman champion Pete Jacobs.

Steve Cooper believes the Noosa Tri is a crucial tourism event for the region.

"Blue skies, beautiful beaches, glorious sunshine, great food and friendly locals --if I were a participant I'd seriously consider moving here! This event gives us the perfect chance to brag about this very special corner of the world," said Mr Cooper.

This year SCDL will be entering two corporate teams in the tri and the organisation's CEO says he's ready for the challenge.

Noosa Triathlon

"There'll be three SCDL members taking part in two teams at the event and we've been pretty committed to training. I'm looking forward to taking on the cycling leg of the race," he said.

The Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival is an annual five-day event held 31 October - 4 November, celebrating sports participation, healthy lifestyles, fitness and fun and consisting of various family, social and sporting activities for all ages and abilities.