Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister Meaghan Scanlon said athlete numbers were up by 18 per cent on the 2016 edition with the bi-annual event set to pump $20m into the Gold Coast economy.
“In 2016, the Pan Pacific Masters Games delivered a $19 million boost to the Queensland economy with 13,241 people taking part across all sports bringing a further 18,000 supporters to the Games,” she said.
“This year the Pan Pacs Masters are set to continue to grow with more than 15,000 participants from 30 overseas countries, as well as each state and territory of Australia, taking part in 43 sports during the 10 days of competition while.
“We expect the event will generate more than $20 million for the local economy.
“This is a great legacy of the Commonwealth Games. During the Pan Pacs, events will be held at newly built and upgraded Games venues across the city including the Coomera Indoor Sports Centre, the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, the Gold Coast Hockey Centre and the Nerang Mountain Bike Trails.
Ms Scanlon said the growth in participants for 2018 reinforced the Gold Coast’s reputation as a world-leading events destination.
“We invest in major events because they deliver a strong economic return for the Gold Coast,” she said.
“More than 1.5 billion people watched the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast – we’re working hard to capitalise on this great exposure from the Games to grow our major events industry and position the Coast as a hub for international sport.”
The Pan Pacific Masters Games will include eight nights of live entertainment at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the line-up including Killer Queen, the Koi Boys, Lisa Hunt, Magic Carpet Ride and DJ Emma Lancaster.
Events Management Queensland CEO Cameron Hart said the Pan Pacific Masters Games provided an opportunity for over 30s to play their favourite sport and enjoy much-loved entertainers on the Gold Coast.
“The beauty of this event is that it allows both former champions and those who never quite made it to compete side-by-side in a friendly environment where no qualification is required,” he said.
“After the day’s play has wrapped up, opponents become friends and the Games Village is buzzing with the camaraderie for which the event is renowned.
“Throw in some world-famous beaches, a lush hinterland and an idyllic spring climate and you have a recipe for an unforgettable Queensland experience.”
The 11th biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games, featuring 43 sports, will be held from 2-11 November.
The Pan Pacific Masters Games is organised by Events Management Queensland - a major event management company wholly owned by the Queensland Government as part of Tourism and Events Queensland.
Visit mastersgames.com.au for more information.
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