Tourism WA and the World Surf League (WSL) have struck a deal which will see the Margaret River Pro retain its Championship Tour status until at least 2021.
The deal confirms that the Margaret River Pro Championship Tour event will continue for another two years, with a further option for extension, and play a pivotal role in the crowning of the WSL World Champions.
The State Government, through Tourism WA, has been a proud sponsor of the Margaret River Pro for more than 30 years.
WA Tourism Minister Paul Papalia welcomed the news.
“Margaret River is one of Western Australia’s key tourist destinations,” Mr Papalia said. “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.”
WSL CEO Sophie Goldschmidt said Margaret River had been challenging the world’s best surfers since 1985 and was thrilled that the partnership with Tourism Western Australia was continuing.
“The beautiful coastline in Western Australia never fails to deliver one of the most memorable events on tour,” Ms Goldschmidt said.
“The anticipation is high and we can’t wait to get back to Margaret River this May (2019) and watch our athletes continue to break performance barriers in the epic West Australian surf.”
Australian title hopeful Julian Wilson, who finished second at the event in 2016, regularly travels to the Margaret River region to surf for film projects and is over the moon that one of his favourite spots on tour will remain on the schedule for the foreseeable future.
“Western Australia is absolutely beautiful,” he said. “It’s by far one of my favourite stops on tour and I’m very happy about the commitment to retain a tour stop there for the years to come. The locals are very welcoming and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, I always love my time In Western Australia and the Margaret River region in particular.”
Source: Tourism WA