Capitalising on events tasty topic at lunch

TAKING advantage of sporting events like the Cairns Ironman will be the hot topic at the Cairns Business Women’s Club lunch tomorrow.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland Far North Queensland regional manager Amy Turnbull said the event, which is expected to deliver a $10 million boon to the city, attracted a higher spending, longer staying type of tourist and needed to be capitalised on.

“The (Ironman) organisation is very committed to the local economy,” she said.

“So it represents a golden opportunity for business owners to get their share of the wave of money that rolls into town.”

Ms Turnbull said the average Ironman-related visitor was usually a white collar professional with significant disposable income.

She said they stayed in the region three days longer than the average tourist stay at 9.5 days. More than half the visitors came from interstate or overseas, with a total of 3100 athletes taking part.

The average age of the visitors was between 40-46 and the value of bicycles used in the race ranged between $3000-$12,000.

Tickets to the lunch, which is being held at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino from noon tomorrow can be purchased at www.trybooking.com/book/ event?eid=284473

It will feature a panel of speakers, including Ms Turnbull, and along with the Ironman’s economic benefits, they will also discuss health and wellness.