THE Margaret River Drug Aware Pro has been granted World Championship Tour (WCT) status by the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP).
WA Premier Colin Barnett, who made the announcement today, said it was an “outstanding outcome” for state and the Margaret River region.
“It will draw even more visitors to an already popular event and provide priceless international exposure,” the Premier said.
WCT status for the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro, which guarantees that the top 32 ranked male and top 18 ranked female surfers in the world will compete, begins next year for the women’s event and in 2014 for the men’s.
This will see the competition expand to a 12-day window from the current seven day event.
The State Government supported Surfing WA’s bid for WCT status through Eventscorp, with and additional $4 million in funding from the Royalties for Regions regional events program.
Tourism Minister Kim Hames said WCT status confirmed the reputation of Margaret River’s Surfers Point as a world-class surfing destination.
“Even as second-tier tour event the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro has been an outstanding success,” Dr Hames said.
“But elevation to WCT status will bring Margaret River in line with 10 of the top surf locations in the world, including Hawaii’s Banzai Pipeline and Teahupoo in Tahiti.”
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the elevation of the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro to WCT status would bring additional benefits to the region.
“Events like this make a valuable contribution towards building strong, sustainable regional communities that are desirable places to live because they improve the social amenity, add excitement, attract visitation and bolster local economies,” Mr Grylls said.
The WCT licences for both the men’s and women’s events extend until 2017.
The 2013 Drug Aware Margaret River Pro will be held on March 16-24 and coincides with major upgrade of facilities at Surfers Point.
