The Gold Coast is expecting a huge influx of golfers and fans for the high-profile Gold Coast RACV Australian Ladies Masters to be held early February, and with it an economic windfall.

Event organisers Tuohy Associates compile a report every three years for a snap shot of the tourism and economic benefits of the annual event, and expect next years to be the biggest for some time.

The latest report, from 2008 to 2011, found last year’s event, which is supported by the Queensland Government through Events Queensland, enjoyed an attendance of over 14,000 spectators and participants, with over 4,000 from Queensland, over 2,000 from interstate and 1,000 from international destinations.

Tuohy Associates chairman and managing director Bob Tuohy says those numbers directly contribute money back into the local economy.

“Australian Ladies Masters’ guests alone provided for an overall economic windfall of $4.18 million to the local area over its four days,” Mr Tuohy says.

“Despite being held shortly after Queensland’s most severe flooding for some time, the event was still able to give the Gold Coast a major economic shot in the arm.

“Putting those tragic events behind us means the 2012 tournament should be bigger and better than ever.”

Mr Tuohy says the Gold Coast RACV Australian Ladies Masters has traditionally drawn numbers exceeding 20,000 people to the coast in past years.

“The large number of guests in 2008 provided an economic value of $6.7 million with visitors racking up over 50,000 nights of accommodation on the Gold Coast as a result of the tournament,” Mr Tuohy says.

“It is expected that 2012 numbers are set to increase from last year’s Australian Ladies Masters which will continue to uphold its tradition of putting a national and international spotlight on the Gold Coast.”

Mr Tuohy says the tournament doesn’t just attracts visitors from all parts of the globe, but is also a highlight on the sporting calendar and has been the corner stone of women’s golf in Australia since 1990.

“The tournament will be broadcast to key tourism markets including Korea, Japan and New Zealand and televised to an international audience of 160 million households in over 190 countries,” Mr Tuohy says.

“This provides significant exposure for the Gold Coast over and above what is experienced on the ground by the thousands attending.

“The majority of local businesses in the city thrive on tourism and witness increased revenues when large world-class events such as this are held in the area.

“Golf on the Gold Coast is not just about the sport, but also has a spin-off effect on industries providing for catering, advertising, travel and accommodation as well as corporate functions.”

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said the tournament puts a spotlight on the Gold Coast, joining a string of great events for the region for 2012.

“Events like this attract international, interstate and intrastate visitors to the region, which is great for the local tourism industry, economy, businesses and jobs,” said Ms Bligh.

“On top of that, the tournament will be beamed across the globe into key tourism markets, which means the Gold Coast will be promoted to viewers and potential tourists far and wide.

“Attracting major events like the Gold Coast RACV Australian Ladies Masters to the State is all part of our plan to continue building Queensland’s bright future.

“The Queensland Government, through Events Queensland, has invested an extra $83 million in events over four years, bringing the total budget to $174 million over the same period,

“This additional funding means more great events for the Gold Coast - which in addition to the Gold Coast RACV Australian Ladies Masters also boasts Magic Millions, Armor All Gold Coast 600, the Aussies, Gold Coast Sevens – Fever Pitch, Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Quicksilver Pro and Roxy Pro and many, many more.”

Now in its 23rd year, the Gold Coast RACV Australian Ladies Masters has launched the careers of the likes of World Golf Hall of Famers Karrie Webb, Annika Sorenstam and Se Ri Pak, former World number one Lorena Ochoa, and the current World number one and defending champion Yani Tseng.

The 2012 Gold Coast RACV Australian Ladies Masters, one of the highest profile and most popular events on women’s golf international schedule, will be played 2 to 5 February in the week prior to the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open, ensuring the attendance of a number of high profile players.

ENDS

For all media enquiry contact Sandy Lonergan on 0417 384 422 or Bruce Nelson on 0423 403 449