Kristin Dunne Tourism Bay of Plenty

Are you suffering post-event blues after the excitement of the AIMS Games?

Once again the iconic national (and becoming global) tournament week and its record 10,851 athletes added another level of vibrancy and excitement to our city.

But while all eyes were on the sporting field, the tournament highlights a significant positive impact on tourism and Gross Domestic Product through an increase in patronage and business for our region's tourism, retail and hospitality industries.

During what is traditionally the quiet off-peak season, this influx of athletes and their families and supporters comes at the perfect time. Accommodation, food and beverage, transport and even sightseeing – the list of economic benefits to the city and region is endless.

Tauranga City Council figures for 2016 indicate more than 17,000 people attended the tournament (69 per cent were visitors) and it increased the Western Bay's regional output by $3.05 million excl. GST.

Annual economic benefit studies have shown that in both 2014 and 2015, the tournament generated 37,500 commercial accommodation visitor nights, while in 2016 it generated 47,500. With both 2017 and this year's tournament registering record-breaking competitor numbers – 10,851 in 2018 – this will have no doubt boosted these figures even further.

Athletes from Indonesia, Tonga, Samoa, the Cook Islands and Australia took part and the AIMS Games' partnership with Stuff provided global live streaming capabilities. The city's prominence is ever-increasing.

It is events like this which contribute to the Coastal Bay of Plenty's unique identity and showcase it as an incredible place to live, enjoy and be proud of.

Here's to harnessing the city-wide buzz AIMS Games generates, and putting Tauranga on the map.