Gerard Casey EBOP Chamber of Commerce CEO

Over the last four days Ohope Beach has been inundated with mostly lean tanned and fit looking bodies.

No this blog is not about being jealous or ashamed of seeing such fit people all in one place.

It has been the venue for the National Surf Lifesaving Championships.

It is a thank you to the visitors who have poured money into our local businesses.

All accommodation around the region has been booked out for months and it has been a bonus on top of the Christmas period.

Certainly the local cafes and supermarkets have noticed the influx of visitors.

Events like this have a huge impact on businesses and while it stretches some to the limit and may frustrate locals we need to enjoy a chance to profile out region to nearly 2000 people who experience our place.

Congratulations must also go to those volunteers who work tirelessly and often behind the scenes to make everything go smoothly.

So on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, congratulations and thank you to all those visitors and we look forward to you returning to the area to experience the place at a more relaxing pace.