ASB MAGAZINE: The Margaret River Pro will retain its Championship Tour status following a deal between the World Surf League (WSL) and the State Government. The deal secures the event on the tour until at least 2021, with a further option for extension. The State Government, through Tourism Western Australia, has been a proud sponsor of the Margaret River Pro for more than 30 years. The event has been part of the WSL Championship Tour since 2014.
“Margaret River is a venue that has been challenging the world’s best surfers since 1985 and WSL is thrilled that we are continuing our partnership with Tourism Western Australia,” said WSL CEO Sophie Goldschmidt.
“The beautiful coastline in Western Australia never fails to deliver one of the most memorable events on tour. The anticipation is high and we can’t wait to get back to Margaret River this May and watch our athletes continue to break performance barriers in the epic Western Australian surf.”
The new deal will also include opportunities to showcase other parts of Western Australia’s coastline, through video content during the event’s broadcast. Commenting on the newly inked deal Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said
“Margaret River is one of Western Australia’s key tourist destinations, known around the world for magnificent surf, its premium food and wine, and its stunning natural assets including majestic forests and caves.
“The Margaret River Pro not only injects money and creates jobs for the local economy, but it gives us the opportunity to showcase the region and the State to a global audience.
“The event attracts thousands of visitors to the region including competitors, officials and spectators who travel to Margaret River to watch the action.
“Attracting more people to regional WA through world-class events, forms an important part of Tourism WA’s Two-Year Action Plan to increase visitors travelling to and around the State.”
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan added; “Events such as the Margaret River Pro, provide the opportunity for local communities to promote their patch on the world stage as an attractive place to visit and a great place to live.
“Continuing to attract visitors to our regions through events, like the Margaret River Pro, will bring wider business and job opportunities to local communities, and greater prosperity to the region.”
Australian title hopeful Owen Wright, who has put on some of the most memorable performances of his career at the Margaret River Pro is stoked on‘Margrets return to WSL competition.
“I’m so stoked we’ll be heading back to Margaret River for at least the next three years,” Wright said. “I’ve had so many good waves and great memories over there and with all of the great food and wine in the region, it is definitely my favourite place to take my family on tour. Out of all of the places we go on tour Margaret River has the most powerful waves — I love it and can’t wait to get back.”
Key Points:
- Margaret River Pro to remain on Championship Tour until at least 2021
- World Surf League and State Government strike new sponsorship deal
- State Government, through Tourism WA, a proud sponsor of the Pro for more than 30 years
ENDS
