It’s official – the 2010 Santos Tour Down Under was the biggest and best in the event’s history.
Premier Mike Rann says the race – held from 17 to 24 January – attracted record crowds, record visitors and record income for the South Australian economy.
Preliminary economic impact and research figures, released today, show the event attracted:
- 770,500 spectators compared to 760,500 in 2009
- 43,700 visitors to the State who attended the event compared to 42,500 in 2009
- 39,700 event specific visitors from interstate and overseas compared to 36,200 in 2009
- $41.5 million in economic impact compared to $39 million in 2009
The Mutual Community Challenge Tour also set a new record of 8099 participants – with a record 30% travelling from interstate and overseas – compared to 7127 the previous year.
“Every aspect of the race has grown,” Premier Rann says.
“We always knew that joining the UCI ProTour circuit in 2008 and Lance Armstrong’s comeback in Adelaide at the 2009 event would generate huge interest.
“We’re absolutely delighted that this year’s event – which fielded the strongest group of riders in its history – proved to be even bigger and better.
“It demonstrates that the Santos Tour Down Under is now a premium tourist event in Australia.
“People are coming back year on year to watch the world’s best riders compete in Adelaide and regional South Australia.
“Indeed, last year the Tour was named Australia’s Best Tourism Event at the inaugural Australian Event Awards in Sydney.
“Mike Turtur and his team are to be congratulated for their ongoing work to grow this event and turn it into the most successful sporting event in South Australia’s history.”
Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says the Santos Tour Down Under has grown to be a celebration of cycling for which all South Australians can be very proud.
“Andre Greipel may have won the Santos Ochre Leader’s Jersey but South Australia was also a winner, with the event bringing great benefits in terms of economic impact and an increased global profile to the State,” Dr Lomax-Smith says.
Independent research company McGregor Tan conducted the research. The revised crowd figures are an increase on the initial SAPOL estimate of 762,000.
http://www.tourdownunder.com.au/
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