The Andrews Labor Government has renewed its support for the world’s longest running surfing event, the Rip Curl Pro, until 2017.
The Bells Beach fixture, one of the flagship dates on Regional Victoria’s tourism calendar, is a globally recognised event on the World Surf League Championship Tour, and every year attracts the very best surfers.
International stars Kelly Slater and Sunny Garcia are among the sport’s hottest identities who have made countless trips to the Surf Coast, while current joint World Number Two Steph Gilmore and reigning champion Mick Fanning headline the list of Australian favourites.
The Rip Curl Pro is yet another opportunity for Victoria to show its strengths for holding world-renowned sporting events and the Championship Tour second leg is exactly that. More than 1.8 million people in 182 countries streamed last year’s event online, and it was beamed into 11.6 million households.
The Easter event showcases one of Victoria’s top tourist hotspots to all corners of the state, the country and the world. The event doubles as a crucial driver of the burgeoning surf industry that is synonymous with Torquay and surrounds.
Fanning and fellow reigning champion, Hawaiian Carissa Moore will be aiming to go back-to-back and ring the iconic bell once more as the event gets under way today.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, John Eren
“There’s nothing better than a packed Bells Beach at Easter, watching the world’s best battle each other – and the forces of nature – in their quest to ring the famous bell.”
“The Andrews Labor Government knows how important this time-honoured event is to tourism in Victoria, particularly here at one of Australia’s top holiday destinations.”
“High profile sporting events play a major part in Victoria’s tourism strengths. Helping raise the state’s profile nationally and overseas ensures visitors continue to flock to our great state.”
Quotes attributable to World Surf League Chief Executive, Paul Speaker
“The WSL is all about honouring its heritage while forging a future of progression, innovation and professionalism. To accomplish this, we need extraordinary partners and we’re tremendously thrilled to announce the multi-year renewal of the Victorian Government’s support for the Bells Beach event.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020